Football has a way of pausing everything else when one of its true greats is laid to rest.
That was the mood in Nottingham on Friday as players, managers, fans, and friends gathered to honour John Robertson, a man whose influence stretched far beyond the pitch and across generations.
A Farewell Marked by Familiar Faces
Among those paying their respects was Line of Duty star Vicky McClure, who joined a long list of football royalty at Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium in Nottinghamshire.
The crowd included iconic names such as Roy Keane, Stuart Pearce, Martin O’Neill, Sean Dyche, Eddie Gray, John McGovern, Garry Birtles, Nicholas Randall, and many others who had crossed paths with Robertson during his extraordinary career.
Vicky’s connection to the day ran deeper than celebrity presence.
Her husband, Jonny Owen, is a lifelong Nottingham Forest supporter who made a film celebrating the club’s golden years.
Through that project, he struck up a close friendship with Robertson, making the farewell a deeply personal moment for the couple.
Remembering a Forest Legend
John Robertson passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 72 after battling Parkinson’s disease.
For many Forest supporters, he wasn’t just a great player—he was the greatest.
His role in Nottingham Forest’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980 cemented his place in football history.
He famously set up Trevor Francis for the winning goal against Malmö in the 1979 final, then stepped into the spotlight himself a year later by scoring the decisive goal against Hamburg.
Those moments alone would have guaranteed his legend, but they were only part of a much bigger story.
A Career Built on Skill and Loyalty
Robertson made his Forest debut in October 1970 and went on to make 502 appearances during a 13-year spell with the club.
After a brief period playing in the Second and Third Divisions with Derby County, he returned to Forest to close out his playing days in the top flight during the 1985–86 season.
Across his career, he played 627 games and earned 28 caps for Scotland.
One of his most cherished international moments came at Wembley in 1981, when he scored the winning penalty in a 1–0 victory over England to secure the British Home Championship.
He also found the net at the 1982 World Cup, scoring against New Zealand.
“A Picasso of Our Game”
Brian Clough, never one to hand out praise lightly, once described Robertson as “a Picasso of our game,” famously saying: “Give him a yard of grass and he was an artist.”
That ability to glide past defenders, drop a shoulder, and deliver with precision made him a nightmare for full-backs and a joy for fans.
Nottingham Forest summed it up perfectly in a statement following his death, calling him a true great, a double European Cup winner, and a man whose talent, humility, and devotion to the club would never be forgotten.
Life Beyond Playing Days
After hanging up his boots, Robertson transitioned seamlessly into coaching.
He worked closely with Martin O’Neill as an assistant manager at clubs including Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester City, Celtic, and Aston Villa.
Wherever he went, he earned respect not just for his football brain, but for his kindness and humanity.
That warmth was reflected in a 2015 Nottingham Post poll, where fans voted him their all-time favourite Forest player—a rare honour that spoke volumes about his lasting impact.
Tributes From Across the Football World
The Scottish national team led the tributes, sending condolences to Robertson’s family and friends.
Celtic also shared their sadness, remembering him as a former assistant manager and offering prayers to his loved ones.
Journalist Henry Winter captured the essence of Robertson’s legacy, writing that he “made the ball dance,” brought joy to Forest fans, and fear to opposing defenders—all while doing things his own way.
Some supporters even called for the Bridgford Stand at the City Ground to be renamed in his honour, a fitting tribute for a man so closely tied to the club’s identity.
Stan Collymore’s Emotional Goodbye
Few tributes were as moving as that of former Forest striker Stan Collymore, who described Robertson as Forest’s greatest-ever player and one of the kindest people he had ever known.
Collymore spoke of idolising him as a child, copying his habits as a player, and later receiving genuine compassion and support from Robertson during difficult moments in his career.
He recalled moments of humour, warmth, and unforgettable stories shared at the City Ground, painting a picture of a man whose goodness never faded despite football’s often brutal nature.
To Collymore, Robertson wasn’t just a legend—he was simply “Robbo,” a giant of the game and an even better human being.
A Legacy That Won’t Fade
As the mourners dispersed and the tributes continued to pour in, one thing felt clear: John Robertson’s legacy is secure.
From European Cup nights to Wembley heroics, from coaching touchlines to quiet acts of kindness, his impact runs deep.
The football world has said goodbye—but his story, his influence, and his place in the hearts of fans will live on.
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