Former Celtic assistant manager John Robertson has died at the age of 72 on Christmas Day following a long illness. Scottish international Robbo during his playing career won the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest in 1979 and 1980. He supplied the winner in 79’ for Trevor Francis and scored the winner in 80’.
You can imagine the conversations on the team bus he had with the then Celtic manager his great friend Martin O’Neill and Celtic’s own European Cup winner Lisbon Lion the late great John Clarke who was Celtic kit man at the time. John Clarke had also served as Celtic’s assistant manager to Billy McNeill at both Aberdeen and Celtic. So they had plenty in common.
A statement from Robertson’s family sent through Nottingham Forest said: “It is with immense pain and sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, dad and grandad.
“John passed away peacefully on Christmas morning with his wife and family by his side, after a long illness.
“Our only comfort in our grief is that his struggles are now over, and he is reunited with daughter Jessica.
“’Robbo’ was treasured by many as a footballing hero but to us he was just John and dad, the family man…kind, loving, witty, fun and loyal.
“Although our hearts are breaking, we will always be grateful for the years we were privileged to share with him and the amazing memories we made. We will miss him every day and love him always.”
Former Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson offered his condolences. Tommo wrote on X: “Just heard the devastating news that my ex assistant manager at Celtic John Robertson passed earlier today. Thoughts are with his lovely family and thoughts and prayers are with them all.”
Rest easy Robbo and thanks for memories including the sly smokes up the tunnel area at Celtic Park during games. We have some memories of your time at Celtic which included the first treble since Jock Stein, the run to Seville, the 6-2 win over Rangers in the Paradise sunshine and many more.
Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast
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