Scotland was robbed of an unparalleled football genius, one who defies the conventional wisdom that the nation's most gifted players have emerged from Glasgow's West End or Edinburgh's Old Town. John Robertson, a two-footed phenomenon with an uncanny ability to switch pace over just five yards, was the very embodiment of British footballing ingenuity.
While the likes of Jimmy Johnstone and Denis Law are oft-mentioned in discussions about Scotland's greatest exports, it is hard to ignore the unassuming midfielder who would one day be hailed as a game-changing figure. Robertson's playing career was marked by flashes of brilliance, culminating in two crucial goals for Forest in European Cup finals, including that iconic 28th-minute strike against Hamburg.
Despite his phenomenal abilities, Robertson never received the accolades he deserved during his playing days. The reason behind this lack of recognition is largely attributed to his humility and reluctance to draw attention to himself. However, those who knew him can attest to a man who was fiercely dedicated to the game and an absolute master tactician on the touchline.
Robertson's impact extended far beyond the pitch. His bond with Martin O'Neill, a partnership forged through numerous triumphs and setbacks, would become one of the most enduring in British football history. O'Neill himself credited Robertson as a "bloody genius," acknowledging that the diminutive midfielder was a mastermind who understood the intricacies of the game like few others.
Yet, Robertson's own story is a poignant reminder of the complexities that often accompany success. His family was forever changed by tragedy, including the loss of his sister-in-law and daughter Jessica to cerebral palsy at a tender age. These hardships took their toll on Robertson, leading him to struggle with his mental health in later years.
In the end, it is O'Neill who can be said to have finally given Robertson the recognition he so desperately deserved as a coach. After decades of watching from the sidelines, Robertson found solace in the shadows, guiding Celtic to unprecedented success under O'Neill's tenure. The bond between these two footballing legends will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable in British history.
In many ways, Robertson serves as a reminder that true greatness often lies beneath the surface. It is only when we look closer, beyond the external trappings and accolades, that we can begin to appreciate the depth and complexity of this unassuming hero's legacy.
While the likes of Jimmy Johnstone and Denis Law are oft-mentioned in discussions about Scotland's greatest exports, it is hard to ignore the unassuming midfielder who would one day be hailed as a game-changing figure. Robertson's playing career was marked by flashes of brilliance, culminating in two crucial goals for Forest in European Cup finals, including that iconic 28th-minute strike against Hamburg.
Despite his phenomenal abilities, Robertson never received the accolades he deserved during his playing days. The reason behind this lack of recognition is largely attributed to his humility and reluctance to draw attention to himself. However, those who knew him can attest to a man who was fiercely dedicated to the game and an absolute master tactician on the touchline.
Robertson's impact extended far beyond the pitch. His bond with Martin O'Neill, a partnership forged through numerous triumphs and setbacks, would become one of the most enduring in British football history. O'Neill himself credited Robertson as a "bloody genius," acknowledging that the diminutive midfielder was a mastermind who understood the intricacies of the game like few others.
Yet, Robertson's own story is a poignant reminder of the complexities that often accompany success. His family was forever changed by tragedy, including the loss of his sister-in-law and daughter Jessica to cerebral palsy at a tender age. These hardships took their toll on Robertson, leading him to struggle with his mental health in later years.
In the end, it is O'Neill who can be said to have finally given Robertson the recognition he so desperately deserved as a coach. After decades of watching from the sidelines, Robertson found solace in the shadows, guiding Celtic to unprecedented success under O'Neill's tenure. The bond between these two footballing legends will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable in British history.
In many ways, Robertson serves as a reminder that true greatness often lies beneath the surface. It is only when we look closer, beyond the external trappings and accolades, that we can begin to appreciate the depth and complexity of this unassuming hero's legacy.
I mean, what's up with all these tributes to John Robertson? He was a decent player, don't get me wrong, but not exactly a household name back in the day. And yeah, his partnership with Martin O'Neill is cool and all, but let's be real, O'Neill did most of the coaching anyway. 
I've seen some of these old videos of him playing for Forest and he was alright, but I'm not convinced he was the 'game-changing figure' everyone makes him out to be. 
Where are all these stories coming from? What sources do we have that say he's this massive genius behind the scenes? I need some credible proof before I start singing his praises... 
still give me goosebumps! but, you know, he never got the recognition he deserved back in the day 
. I mean, can't imagine what it'd be like to have played alongside someone who's literally a mastermind on the pitch 
. Martin O'Neill was right, though - Robertson was indeed a "bloody genius" 
. and, you know, his story is a bit of a sad one 
... losing his family member to cerebral palsy and struggling with mental health? 
it's like, we should be celebrating his legacy, but also acknowledging the toll that success takes on people 
it's so sad what he went through with his family, losing his sister-in-law and daughter to cerebral palsy is just heartbreaking 
and then to see him struggling with mental health in later years makes me want to cry all over again 
john robertson may not have been the flashiest player on the pitch, but his legacy is one for the ages 
. I mean, can you imagine how frustrating it must've been for him to not get the recognition he deserved? His humility is, like, so admirable 
. And let's be real, Robertson's story is a total inspiration 
.
. I think this is what makes his story so compelling - he was never about the spotlight, just about doing what was best for the game & those around him. We could all learn a thing or two from that 
️. It's wild that his playing days were overshadowed by other Scottish players like Jimmy Johnstone and Denis Law. But let's be real, Robertson was always the genius in the room 
. It's amazing how his own struggles with mental health and personal tragedy could make someone who was already an unassuming hero into a total legend 
. His bond with O'Neill is like something out of a movie - two footballing legends working together to achieve greatness.
. Robertson's legacy is definitely one for the ages 
2 footed mastermind with game changing skills but never got the recognition he deserved 