John Robertson, the legendary winger celebrated for his remarkable contributions to Nottingham Forest and the Scotland national team, was honoured in a heartfelt funeral service on Friday in Stragglethorpe, Nottinghamshire. The event attracted over 300 attendees, including family, friends, and former teammates, all gathering to pay tribute to a player affectionately described by manager Brian Clough as "a Picasso of our game."
Robertson passed away at the age of 72, and his coffin, adorned with red rose floral tributes, was transported to the crematorium in a silver Rolls-Royce, arriving shortly after 12:30 GMT. This poignant gathering served as a testament to his profound impact on football, both on and off the pitch.
Among the distinguished attendees were iconic figures from Nottingham Forest's history, including Chris Sutton, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, John McGovern, Stuart Pearce, Frank Clark, and Gary Birtles. Current Forest manager Sean Dyche and Nigel Clough, who played under his father, Brian Clough, were also present to honour Robertson's memory.
Paul Hart, a former defender and manager at Nottingham Forest, reflected on Robertson's character, stating, "He was a great friend who was very funny and very intelligent. We're going to miss him." Hart noted that despite Robertson's extraordinary talent, he often did not recognise the impact he had on those around him: "I don't think he did. He was such a humble man. I think he knew he could play, but he wouldn't go around and tell people that. He was just a wonderful guy."
Gary Birtles, who spent ten years at Forest, echoed these sentiments, describing Robertson as an "absolute genius" and a "striker's delight." He added, "He was funny, loved his music and his jokes. He was a genuine top bloke and there was no edge to him." Birtles highlighted Robertson's resilience, stating, "We saw him suffer over the years but he still came out and carried on telling his jokes. It was great to be around him."
Born in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire, Robertson's football journey began with Drumchapel Amateurs before he joined Nottingham Forest in May 1970. Under Clough's management, his career flourished, leading to significant victories, including the League Cup final replay against Liverpool in 1978 and the European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. Notably, he scored the decisive goal against Hamburg, securing Forest’s second consecutive European Cup title.
Following a brief period at Derby County, Robertson returned to Forest, eventually concluding his playing career with non-league teams Corby Town, Stamford, and Grantham Town. His international career was marked by 28 caps for Scotland, including a memorable winning goal against England in 1981.
Robertson later transitioned into coaching, serving as assistant manager to former teammate Martin O'Neill at various clubs, including Norwich City and Celtic. His legacy at Nottingham Forest was further cemented when club owner Evangelos Marinakis announced plans to name a stand at the City Ground in his honour shortly after his passing.
The funeral of John Robertson transcended mere farewell; it was a celebration of a life that brought joy and artistry to the beautiful game, ensuring that his memory will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.