John Robertson

Lore & Background

John Robertson was a Scottish footballer who played for Nottingham Forest and Scotland. He scored the winning goal against England in 1981.

In Their Own Story

The air in the Santiago Bernabéu was thick with cigarette smoke and the particular electricity of a European final. Robertson walked out onto the pitch in the white and blue, the roar of the crowd washing over him like a tide. He could feel the weight of the shirt, the weight of the season, the weight of a city that had believed in a mad Scot from Derby and a group of players who played football like it was a fight they intended to win.

He set his feet. Left side, the Marseille winger was quick, always looking to burst past. Robertson tracked him, shadowed him, and when the man cut inside, Robertson was already there, shoulder to shoulder, body angled, right foot planted. The ball was cleared. The crowd roared. He turned, caught the eye of McGinlay in the centre, and saw the nod, the small thumbs-up. That was the conversation. That was the job. He set his feet again, waiting for the next wave.

Reader's Guide

John Robertson is known for his time at Nottingham Forest and his goal for Scotland against England in 1981.

Did You Know?

• John Robertson scored the winning goal for Scotland against England in 1981.
• He played for Nottingham Forest and the Scotland national team.