Nottingham Forest and Scotland legend John Robertson, described by the iconic Briah Clough as “the Picasso of our game”, has died aged 72.
The winger was an essential part of the Forest team that achieved the unthinkable under Clough, rising from the second division to win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
Robertson’s contributions in those finals cemented his legacy, assisting Trevor Francis’s winning goal in 1979 before scoring the decisive goal himself against Hamburg in 1980.
The legend scored Scotland’s winning goal against England at Wembley in 1981.
Robertson was born in Scotland. He initially struggled with professionalism at Forest before a stern talk from Clough’s assistant Peter Taylor transformed his career.
He became the creative heartbeat of a legendary team, making more than 500 appearances and winning several trophies.
After his retirement, he enjoyed a successful coaching career, most notably as assistant to his former teammate Martin O’Neill at Celtic.
The football industry has begun to pay tributes with messages from Forest, Derby County and the Scottish national team, mourning the loss of the football legend.
