The final, deeply personal wishes of Nottingham Forest legend John Robertson have come to light, following his passing at the age of 72 on Christmas Day. The Scottish international, revered as one of the club's greatest ever players, left an estate valued at £168,348, with the majority designated for his wife and a poignant directive concerning his ashes.
A Legacy On and Off the Pitch
John Neilson Robertson, born on January 20, 1953, passed away after an illness. His will, originally drafted on August 7, 2010, specifies that 75 percent of his estate is bequeathed to his wife, Sharyl Robertson, for her absolute use and benefit. The remaining 25 percent is left to his living daughter, Elizabeth Robertson. He is also survived by two sons, Andrew and Mark, and two granddaughters named Jess and Phoebe.
A Father's Last Request
Perhaps the most moving provision in the document is Robertson's explicit instruction regarding his final resting place. His will states: 'I wish my body to be cremated. And my ashes to be buried or scattered with my daughter Jessica Robertson at Wilford Hill, Nottingham.' Jessica, who was born with severe cerebral palsy, tragically died in 1996 at just 13 years old. This request underscores the enduring bond Robertson held with his late daughter.
The grant of probate, issued by the High Court of Justice, confirms the gross value of his UK estate was £176,250, with a net value of £168,348. Robertson appointed his wife as one of the executors of his will.
A Storied Footballing Career
John Robertson's legacy is firmly cemented in football history. Making his debut for Nottingham Forest in October 1970, he enjoyed a remarkable 13-year stint, becoming an integral part of the club's golden era. He was a key figure in the legendary back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, as well as the First Division title win.
His contributions were decisive on the biggest stage. In the 1979 European Cup final, he provided the assist for Trevor Francis's winning goal. A year later, he scored himself in the victory over Hamburg. Across two spells with Forest, the left winger made 502 appearances and netted 95 goals.
International and Coaching Success
His prowess extended to the international arena, where he earned 28 caps for Scotland. Robertson is famously remembered for scoring the winning penalty in a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley in 1981, securing the British Home Championship. He also represented his country at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups, scoring against New Zealand in the latter tournament.
Following his retirement in 1986 after a brief period with Derby County, Robertson transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant manager to Martin O'Neill at several clubs, including Celtic, Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City, and Aston Villa. His enduring popularity was confirmed in a 2015 Nottingham Post poll, which voted him the fans' all-time favourite Nottingham Forest player.
The revelation of his will not only outlines the distribution of his material estate but also paints a touching picture of a family man, whose final wish was a heartfelt reunion with his beloved daughter Jessica.
