Nottingham Forest Mourns Legend John Robertson at 72

Nottingham Forest Football Club announced on Thursday the passing of club legend and former Scotland international winger John Robertson at the age of 72.

Robertson played 14 seasons for Forest between 1970 and 1983, and then again in the 1985-1986 season, making over 500 appearances. He was a pivotal figure in the club's golden era under manager Brian Clough. He helped the team achieve promotion in 1977, win the English First Division title in 1978, and secure two League Cups (1978, 1979), the FA Charity Shield, and the European Super Cup. He also scored the decisive goal in a League Cup final against Liverpool.

Robertson was also a central figure in Forest's back-to-back European Cup victories, assisting Trevor Francis's winning goal in the 1979 final and scoring the decisive goal himself in the 1980 final. Internationally, he represented Scotland in 28 matches, scoring eight goals, and participated in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups.

Nottingham Forest commented on his passing, stating: “A true legend of our club and a two-time European Cup winner, John’s unrivalled talent, humility, and unwavering dedication to Nottingham Forest will never be forgotten.”

His former manager Brian Clough once famously described him, saying: “John Robertson was a truly unattractive young man. If I ever felt bad about myself, I’d sit next to him and feel like Errol Flynn. But give him a yard of grass and he was an artist. He was the Picasso of our game.” Fans once voted him the 'Most Loved Player' in the club's history.