The news of his passing on Christmas Day brought a profound sense of loss, particularly in Scotland, where his unique gifts were perhaps never fully celebrated during his lifetime. John Robertson was a footballer of rare and understated brilliance, a player whose legacy extends far beyond his iconic status at Nottingham Forest.
On the pitch, Robertson possessed a devastating left foot, a bewildering change of pace, and a crossing ability that bordered on the artistic. He was the creative heartbeat of Brian Clough’s legendary Forest side, instrumental in their back-to-back European Cup triumphs. His style—an outside-left rather than a traditional winger—made the extraordinary look effortless. Clough, a manager notorious for his exacting standards, saw past a lifestyle that initially revolved around cigarettes and poor fitness, recognising a “bloody genius” whom he granted unparalleled freedom. The transformation was mutual; Robertson’s peak years were central to Clough’s greatest achievements.
Despite his club heroics, his international career with Scotland, yielding 28 caps and appearances in two World Cups, feels like an incomplete reflection of his talent, even accounting for the fierce competition of that era. His most cherished goal wasn’t a European final winner, but a calmly converted penalty at Wembley in 1981, a rare Scottish victory on English soil.
Robertson’s second act in football was as significant as his first. As a coach, most notably alongside Martin O’Neill at clubs like Leicester City and Celtic, he thrived in the background. His strength was a straightforward, no-nonsense approach that earned the deep trust of players. He was a mentor who communicated a profound understanding of the game without pretence, forming a formidable partnership with O’Neill that delivered historic success at Celtic Park.
His life was marked by private tragedy, including the devastating loss of his daughter, which cast a shadow over his later playing days and a regretted move to Derby County. Through it all, his connection to Nottingham, his adopted home, remained unbreakable.
John Robertson’s story is not just one of silky skills and crossed balls, but of quiet influence, resilience, and a footballing intelligence that left an indelible mark both on the field and from the dugout. He was a scruffy genius who became a beloved legend, finally receiving the full appreciation his extraordinary career always warranted.