Where are they now?: John Robertson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WHEN the late Peter Taylor first encountered John Robertson on Nottingham Forest's pre-season tour in 1976, he told the 22-year-old Scot, spotty and overweight, that he was a disgrace to his profession. In the words of Brian Clough's assistant, he had been 'birding it, boozing it and living out of a chip pan'.
The reformed winger was central to Forest's promotion to the top flight in 1977 and played a major part in their subsequent glory. His goal in the final against Hamburg won the 1980 European Cup.
Later, Robertson was central to Taylor and Clough's never-reconciled rift. Taylor, tempted out of retirement to manage Derby, signed his former protege, who was out of contract, while Clough was on holiday. Clough bought Robertson back, but released him in 1987.
'I did not intend to quit then but I sat by the phone waiting for a call and none came,' he recalled.
Nowadays he scouts for his 'old mate' Martin O'Neill at Wycombe Wanderers. He still plays, on Sundays, for a Nottingham pub team. 'I just walk about in midfield these days.'
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments