Scotland legend John Robertson dies as tributes pour in for Nottingham Forest hero who became Celtic coach with O’Neill

SCOTLAND legend and Nottingham Forest hero John Robertson has died.

Tributes have already started pouring in for the European Cup-winning winger, who passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 72.

Robertson is considered by many as the greatest player in Nottingham Forest’s history, inspiring them to a league title, two European Cups and two League Cups.

He provided the cross for Trevor Francis to score from in the 1979 European Cup final against Malmo and struck the winner a year later as Forest retained the trophy with a 1-0 victory over Hamburg.

He earned 28 caps for Scotland and scored eight goals, one of which came at the 1982 World Cup in a win over New Zealand.

Robertson was born in Viewpark in Lanarkshire and grew up as a Rangers supporter. He played for Scotland at schoolboy and youth levels before being spotted by Forest scouts whilst playing for Drumchapel Amateurs in 1970.

He spent 13 years at Forest before moving to rivals Derby County on a free transfer, only to return after two seasons.

In total, he made over 500 appearances for Forest, scoring 95 goals.

After hanging up his boots as a player he moved into coaching and became a trusted part in the backroom team of former team mate Martin O’Neill.

Robertson worked as both an assistant coach and a scout with O’Neill, first teaming up with him at Wycombe Wanderers.

He followed him to Norwich and Leicester and then onto Celtic as well as Aston Villa.

In 2015, he topped a poll by the Nottingham Post of favourite Nottingham Forest players of all-time.

Forest paid tribute to their “greatest ever” in a heartfelt tribute, which read: “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, John’s unrivalled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never ever be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Robbo… Our greatest.”

Former Celtic star Alan Thompson, who was coached by Robertson, said: “Just heard the devastating news that my ex assistant manager at Celtic John Robertson passed earlier today.

“Thoughts are with his lovely family and thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

Fans shared their condolences on social media.

One Forest supporter wrote: “My favourite player and a true #nffc legend. Truly sad news but at least John can now sleep easy.

“I am so sad I never got to meet one of my heroes.

“Rest in peace Robbo.”

Another said: “The club’s greatest ever player.

“Unfortunately never got to see him play in the flesh, but the highlights and words of supporters for whose childhoods were made by this man, is enough to give him that title.

“John Robertson, a true legend. May he rest in peace.”

A third called for a stand to be renamed in his honour at the City Ground, saying: Hopefully the Bridgford Stand will be renamed the John Robertson Stand.”

And a fourth said: “Absolutely gutted. My favourite player by a country mile. Rest easy John.”

Before a fifth said: RIP Robbo there will never be another left winger like him.”

While a Celtic fan said: “Ahh that’s sad, part of my favourite Celtic era. RIP John Robertson.”

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