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East nottingham forest And scotland Winger John Robertson died on Christmas Day at the age of 72 after a long illness.
Robertson, who began and ended his career playing on either side of the City Ground against local rivals Derby, played an integral role in Forest’s European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980.
Robertson provided a cross for Trevor Francis to score the only goal against Swedish team Malmö in Munich, helping Brian Clough’s side win the European Cup for the first time.
And 12 months later, Robertson scored in another 1–0 win as Forest successfully defended their European crown against Hamburg in Madrid.
A statement sent via Nottingham Forest on behalf of Robertson’s family said: “It is with great pain and sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
“John passed away peacefully on Christmas morning with his wife and family by his side after a long illness.
“The only consolation in our grief is that his struggle is now over, and he has been reunited with daughter Jessica.
“’Robbo’ was revered by many as a football hero, but to us he was just John and a father, a family man… kind, loving, funny, fun and loyal.
“Although our hearts are breaking, we will always be grateful for the years we had the privilege of sharing with her and the wonderful memories we made. We will miss her every day and will love her forever.”
Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland during his five-year international career, including being selected for the 1978 and 1982 World Cups.
Following his playing career, he worked under former Forest team-mate Martin O’Neill at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester. celtic And Aston Villa.
Stan Collymorewho played at Forest and worked under Robertson at Leicester, paid tribute with a lengthy post on Ax.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Robertson, Forest’s greatest ever player, my coach at Leicester and one of the sweetest, kindest-hearted human beings I have ever met.
“At Leicester with Martin O’Neill he was aware of my issues and problems and instead of like many people who made fun of him, he put a literal arm around me, said words of sympathy and kindness and really supported me.”
Former Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson wrote on Twitter: “Just heard the devastating news that John Robertson, my former assistant manager at Celtic, passed away earlier today. Thoughts are with his lovely family and thoughts and prayers are with them all.”
His former Celtic team-mate chris sutton Posted on social media: “John was an incredible player, talented, a legend, a quick witted, funny man, a great friend and mentor to me and we will all miss him greatly.”
Forest paid tribute to “a true great of our club” who “will never be forgotten”, before signing off in his statement: “Rest in peace, Robbo… our greatest.”
The Scotland national team, Derby, Celtic, Aston Villa and Wycombe also posted tributes on social media.