Football mourns the loss of John Robertson, the mercurial winger who lit up the Football League and conquered Europe with Nottingham Forest. He has passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that few can match.

From humble beginnings to Football League stardom

Signed from Drumchapel Amateurs in 1970, Robertson’s early years at Forest were unremarkable—until Brian Clough arrived. Under Clough’s guidance, Robertson transformed from a fringe player into the heartbeat of a side that would rewrite history. Across two spells at Forest and a stint at Derby County, he amassed 469 Football League appearances, scoring 64 goals—numbers that only hint at his influence.

The golden years

Between 1976 and 1980, Robertson was at the centre of Forest’s meteoric rise:

Second Division promotion (1976–77)
First Division title (1977–78)
Two League Cups
UEFA Super Cup

His left foot became a weapon, his vision unmatched. Clough famously said:

“Give him a yard of grass and he was an artist. The Picasso of our game.”

European glory

Robertson’s artistry shone brightest on the grandest stage. In the 1979 European Cup Final, his pinpoint cross set up Trevor Francis for Forest’s winner. A year later, in Madrid, Robertson scored the decisive goal against Hamburg to secure back-to-back European Cups—a feat that cemented his place among football’s elite.

International and afterlife in football

With 28 Scotland caps and eight goals—including a Wembley winner against England—Robertson carried his brilliance onto the international stage. After hanging up his boots in 1986, he continued shaping the game alongside Martin O’Neill at clubs including Leicester, Celtic, and Aston Villa.

A legacy etched in football folklore

Forest fans voted him their greatest ever player in 2015. The club’s tribute summed it up perfectly:

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend, John Robertson… A true great of our Club and a double European Cup winner… Our greatest.”

John Robertson wasn’t just a winger—he was a craftsman, a creator, a game-changer. In Clough’s words, a Picasso. His story is one of transformation, triumph, and timeless talent—a tale that will forever belong to the Football League and beyond.

“The Picasso of Our Game”: Remembering John Robertson

“The Picasso of Our Game”: Remembering John Robertson