Former Celtic coach John Robertson sadly passed away on Christmas Day aged 72…
John Robertson of Celtic says his farewels to Henrik Larsson during the 119th Scottish Tennents Cup Final between Celtic and Dunfermline held at Hampden Park on May 22, 2004. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted wide players produced by British football, Robertson enjoyed a glittering playing career before becoming a highly respected coach.
His influence spanned decades and clubs, with his work at Celtic forming part of a transformative era in the club’s modern history.
Robertson’s name is inseparable from Nottingham Forest’s golden period under Brian Clough.
Former Nottingham Forest players Trevor Francis, Garry Birtles, Viv Anderson, Larry Lloyd, John Robertson, Kenny Burns, Ian Bowyer, John McGovern, Frank Clark, Colin Barrett, Peter Shilton, Archie Gemmill, John O’Hare, Tony Woodcock, John Robertson and David Needham from the1977-79 pose for a group photograph with Fawaz Al-Hasawi ahead of the screening of I Believe in Miracles at City Ground on October 11, 2015 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Jon Buckle/Getty Images)
He was a central figure in Forest’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs, supplying the decisive pass in the 1979 final victory over Malmo before scoring the winning goal himself against Hamburg a year later at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Born in Uddingston in January 1953, Robertson progressed through the Scottish schoolboy ranks before being signed by Forest as a teenager.
He went on to make more than 500 appearances for the club, scoring 95 goals and collecting an array of honours, including the English league title and two League Cups.
John Hollins (left) of Arsenal and John Robertson of Nottingham Forest in action during a match at Arsenal Stadium, Highbury, London, April 17th 1982. (Photo by Gary Stone/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
At international level, he earned 28 caps for Scotland and featured at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups.
Following his retirement from playing, Robertson carved out an impressive coaching career, most notably alongside Martin O’Neill.
21.05.2003 Photo: imago/Colorsport –
John Robertson and Martin O Neill in Seville 2002/2003, UEFA Cup Final. Photo Herren Mannschaft Totale Randmotiv Personen
Their partnership took in spells at Wycombe Wanderers, Leicester City and Aston Villa, before reaching their incredible successes at Celtic.
Between 2000 and 2005, Robertson served as O’Neill’s assistant at Celtic Park during a period where the Hoops amassed seven trophies.
Celtic claimed three league titles and four domestic cups and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville, with Robertson’s calm authority and tactical clarity widely credited as key factors behind the squad’s cohesion.
Those who played under him frequently spoke of his impact away from the spotlight as O’Neill’s no.2.
21.05.2003 Photo: imago/Colorsport –
John Robertson and Martin O Neill in Seville 2002/2003, UEFA Cup Final. Photo Herren Mannschaft Totale Randmotiv Personen
As the devastating news filtered through on social media yesterday lunchtime, Celtic icon Chris Sutton tweeted on X: “Very sad news John Robertson passing away. John was an incredible player, a genius, a legend, a sharp witted, funny man, a great friend and mentor to me and we will all miss him greatly. Thoughts and love and prayers go out to Sharyl and the Robertson family.”
Robertson was also admired for his modesty and deep understanding of the game. While his greatest on-field achievements came in England, his contribution to Celtic and the club’s resurgence in the early 2000s remains profound.
Tributes yesterday and today have poured in from across the football world. John Robertson’s legacy endures as both an iconic player and a much-loved coach.
YNWA, John Robertson.
A statement from John Robertson’s family.
It is with immense pain and sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, dad and grandad.
John passed away peacefully on Christmas morning with his wife and family by his side, after a long illness. Our only comfort… pic.twitter.com/Y7617nCZLR
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 25, 2025
Celtic Football Club is sad to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager, John Robertson.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family today at such a difficult time for them all.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 25, 2025
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 🙏☘️— Alan Thompson (@Alantommo8) December 25, 2025
Very sad news John Robertson passing away. John was an incredible player, a genius, a legend, a sharp witted, funny man, a great friend and mentor to me and we will all miss him greatly. Thoughts and love and prayers go out to Sharyl and the Robertson family 💔
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) December 25, 2025
RIP Robbo
Absolute gentleman and legend
Thoughts to all his family at this sad time
🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/nCosdsinPr— Robert Douglas (@Robert__Douglas) December 25, 2025
🗣️ “It’s something I dreamed of when I was a wee boy.” 🏴
John Robertson recalls what his considered the greatest goal of his career – scoring the winner for Scotland against England at Wembley in 1981.
📺 Icons of Football: John Robertson. Available on @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/FYeIRkx1IN
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) December 25, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/oE2dyDmQyu
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 25, 2025
RIP John Robertson. Glad I was able to tell him he was my favourite player, in one of his last interviews. ♥️ #nffc pic.twitter.com/R4cuQQPBdQ
— Young Man (@1BrianClough) December 25, 2025
On behalf of the European football community, we are saddened by the passing of former Scotland and Nottingham Forest winger John Robertson.
Robertson scored the only goal in the 1980 European Cup final, having assisted the winner in the 1979 final.
Our thoughts are with his… pic.twitter.com/iFdE0wIrdy
— UEFA (@UEFA) December 25, 2025
🏴John Robertson vs England (1981)
— Scotland Goals (@ScotlandNTGoals) December 25, 2025
Conor Spence
