Nottingham Forest have announced plans to rename a stand at the City Ground in honour of club legend John Robertson, who passed away this week at the age of 72. Robertson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Forest’s history, will be immortalized with the new John Robertson Stand, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the club.
A Club Legend
Robertson was pivotal in Nottingham Forest’s golden era, scoring the only goal when the club retained the European Cup by defeating Hamburg in 1980. He also famously provided the cross for Trevor Francis’s decisive goal against Malmo in the previous season, which secured Forest’s first European Cup triumph.
Over his illustrious career, Robertson helped Forest lift multiple trophies, including:
- First and Second Division titles
- UEFA Super Cup
- Two Football League Cups
- 1978 FA Charity Shield
- Anglo-Scottish Cup
In addition to his club achievements, Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland, scoring a memorable winner against England in 1981 and finding the net against New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Honouring a Hero
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis expressed his sorrow over Robertson’s passing and confirmed plans to rename the Bridgford Stand in his memory.
“This week is one of profound sadness for everyone connected with Nottingham Forest as we come together to mourn the passing of John Robertson—a true legend of this great club in every sense of the word,” Marinakis said.
“I extend my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him. Today, I have recommended to the Board that the Bridgford Stand be renamed ‘The John Robertson Stand’ in his honour, ensuring that his legacy will forever be remembered.”
The City Ground already features stands named after former manager Brian Clough and goalkeeper/assistant manager Peter Taylor, cementing Robertson’s place among Forest icons.
Career Beyond Nottingham Forest
After retiring from playing, Robertson continued to influence football through coaching. He served as assistant manager to former Forest teammate Martin O’Neill at several clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City, Celtic, and Aston Villa, passing on his tactical knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Fans have long celebrated Robertson’s impact. In 2015, he topped a poll conducted by the Nottingham Post as Forest’s all-time favourite player, a testament to his enduring legacy at the club.
Remembering John Robertson
John Robertson’s name will now be permanently etched into the fabric of Nottingham Forest through the John Robertson Stand, ensuring future generations recognize the winger who twice conquered Europe and brought unparalleled glory to the City Ground. His legacy lives on not only in trophies and history books but in the hearts of Forest supporters worldwide.
Leave a Reply