Heartbreak at death of Forest's 'greatest ever' player

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR JOHN ROBERTSON, WHO WAS KEY TO CLUB'S TWO EUROPEAN CUP WINS

- By LOUIS CORBETT and GAVIN MCCAFFERTY

TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of John Robertson, who was widely regarded as Nottingham Forest's greatest ever player.

The former Forest and Scotland winger, who died aged 72, is best known for his part in Brian Clough’s all-conquering team in the late 70s.

Lanarkshire-born Robertson signed for Forest aged 15, making his debut when only 17, and would become a key player as Clough’s side won the First Division league title in 1978 before back-to-back European Cup triumphs.

It was Robertson who provided the assist for Trevor Francis to score the only goal as Forest beat Malmo 1-0 in Munich and he then slotted in the winner himself as Clough's men beat Hamburg 1-0 in Madrid the following season.

Robertson won 28 caps for his country and was part of the Scotland squads at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and 1982 finals in Spain.

Overall he would play 502 times for Forest, score 95 goals and build a reputation as one of the most gifted wingers ever to play the game.

After hanging up his boots he became a member of Martin O'Neill's coaching team with the likes of Celtic and Aston Villa.