Nottingham Forest Legend John Robertson Honored with Statue in His Hometown
In a heartfelt ceremony filled with nostalgia, pride, and admiration, Nottingham Forest icon John Robertson was honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Viewpark, North Lanarkshire. The tribute comes decades after his legendary contributions to English and European football, most notably his starring role during Forest’s historic reign under Brian Clough in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Hundreds of fans, former teammates, local residents, and dignitaries gathered at the unveiling on a sunny afternoon in the Scottish town where Robertson was born and raised. The statue, commissioned by the local council and funded in part by fan donations, captures the winger in full stride—head down, ball glued to his feet, and his trademark focused expression etched in bronze. It’s a perfect snapshot of a man who quietly changed football history.
A Tribute Long Overdue
Speaking at the event, Nottingham Forest CEO Dane Murphy called Robertson “a player who defined an era—not with flash, but with genius,” adding, “John’s legacy is not only in the trophies, but in the hearts of Forest supporters across generations.”
Robertson, now 71, was visibly moved as the cloth was pulled away to reveal the statue. Standing with his family by his side, he gave a humble speech, thanking the town that shaped him and the supporters who never forgot him.
“I’m just a wee lad from Viewpark who loved football,” Robertson said. “To have a statue in the place I grew up, among the people who’ve known me since I was a boy, it means more than I can say. This is a moment I’ll treasure forever.”
The Forest Years: A Legacy Etched in Glory
John Robertson’s career is indelibly linked with Nottingham Forest’s golden era. Under the management of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, Robertson evolved from a fringe player into one of the most feared and consistent left wingers in Europe. He was the creative heartbeat of a Forest side that defied all odds, winning back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, along with the First Division title in 1978 and two League Cups.
His left foot was a weapon of surgical precision. He was never flashy in the modern sense—he didn’t need to be. His game was built on craft, vision, and relentless work. He famously set up the winning goal in the 1979 European Cup Final against Malmö and scored the decisive goal in the 1980 final against Hamburg.
Brian Clough once said of Robertson, “John Robertson was a very, very special player. If he’d been a boxer, he’d have been a welterweight with a knockout punch.”
It was Clough’s unwavering faith in Robertson that sparked the winger’s transformation. The pair formed a bond based on respect and understanding—one that brought the best out of both.
The Man Behind the Myth
Robertson’s story is one of perseverance. Early in his career, he was written off as overweight and slow. But through determination, tactical intelligence, and belief from his manager, he became indispensable. Teammates often describe him as quiet but fiercely competitive, someone who let his boots do the talking.
He earned 28 caps for Scotland and represented his country in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups. His performances on the international stage earned plaudits, particularly for his creative output and fearlessness against top opposition.
Former Forest teammate and club captain John McGovern attended the ceremony and described Robertson as “the best winger I ever played with. He didn’t have a sprint in him, but nobody could get near him. He was football intelligence personified.”
A Community’s Pride
The statue now stands proudly at Viewpark Memorial Garden, near the local football pitches where a young Robertson first kicked a ball. For the community, it’s more than just a monument—it’s a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.
Local councillor Mary MacLennan said, “This isn’t just a statue for football fans. It’s a reminder of what someone from our streets can achieve with passion and persistence. John Robertson showed us that world-class talent can come from right here in Viewpark.”
Fans of all ages made the pilgrimage to the unveiling, many wearing vintage Nottingham Forest shirts and carrying scarves adorned with Robertson’s name. One lifelong Forest supporter, who had travelled from Nottingham, said, “We always knew he was a legend, but to see this recognition in his hometown—it’s beautiful. He deserves it all.”
Looking Ahead
While John Robertson now lives a quieter life away from the pitch, his contributions to the game continue to resonate. He occasionally appears at Forest matches and fan events, offering insights and memories from his time under Clough and the glory days at the City Ground.
There is also talk of a similar statue being erected outside the City Ground, which would cement Robertson’s place not just as a club legend, but as a symbol of one of football’s greatest underdog stories.
For now, though, Viewpark has taken the lead in honoring its most famous son.
As the sun set on the day of the unveiling, Robertson stood quietly beside his statue, soaking in the applause and emotion. It was a moment of reflection, of recognition, and of love—one that will be remembered by all who witnessed it.
“Football gave me everything,” he said. “And this—this is the greatest thank you I could ever receive.”
