The term legend is thrown around like confetti at a wedding when it comes to football but John Robertson can’t be denied such a status at Nottingham Forest.
It’s 44 years to the day that the Scotland winger enjoyed his finest moment.
He scored the game’s only goal as Forest beat Hamburg 1-0 to retain their status as Champions of Europe with a second European Cup success.
Robertson is arguably the best player to ever wear the famous Garibaldi for Forest.
He made 502 appearances for the Reds, scoring 95 goals and enjoying a trophy-laden period on Trentside.
After leaving Forest, Robertson actually moved to Derby County where he spent two seasons and was relegated with the Rams.
He finished his career with a swansong season at Forest during the 1985/86 campaign and also played 28 times for Scotland.
On the anniversary of this iconic Robertson goal for Forest, we’ve looked at what was said about Robertson during his career.
- READ MORE:Nottingham Forest trophy history
Five quotes about John Robertson
Trevor Francis
The scorer of the winning goal in the European Cup Final of 1979 acknowledged Robertson in a book by David Marples called The History Boys.
He said on page 65: “It was always my responsibility to get to the back post whenever John Robertson was in possession because John was – I use the term genius in regard to Brian Clough – and John wasn’t far behind that.
“He was an exceptionally talented left-sided player who didn’t quite receive the acclaim that he merited.”
Brian Clough
The man who transformed the player’s career often spoke kindly of the left-winger that he unearthed from north of the border.
Speaking before Robertson scored the winner in the European Cup Final, he backed his player to enjoy a successful final.
He said: “We’ve got a little fat guy who’ll turn him inside out… A very talented, highly skilled, unbelievable, left-footed player.”
Jimmy Gordon
The coach who worked under Brian Clough at Forest put Robertson is a pretty decent bracket.
He actually compared him to Sir Tom Finney and Sir Stanley Matthews as one of the game’s very best players.
He said in an interview with Sky Sports: “Robertson had that bit extra on top.
“Sir Stanley Matthews and Sir Tom Finney are knights of the game but Robertson is them and then some.”
John McGovern
The man who captained the famous European Cup triumphs is still an ambassador figure on Trentside these days.
He compared Robertson to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and he was a huge fan of his former teammate.
Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “When I try to tell people how good he was it can be difficult because it was over 30 years ago.
“So what I genuinely say is: you know a few years ago there was a guy called Ryan Giggs who played until he was 40 and was regarded as one of the best left-wingers of all time?
“Well, John Robertson was like Ryan Giggs but with two good feet, not one.”
Martin O’Neill
The Miracle Man was in charge of Forest for 19 games with limited success but he raved about Robertson during a Sky Sports interview some years ago.
He was always on the opposite flank to Robertson but he was a huge fan of his teammate.
O’Neill told Sky Sports: “All people need a bit of a confidence boost at different stages.
“When John was playing, when he was on the field, the manager was always right behind him.
“The manager gave him that confidence to play and John repaid that confidence. He was absolutely terrific.”
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