Among the pantheon of footballing greats who played under Brian Clough, one individual stood out as the legendary manager’s undisputed favourite: John Robertson. This Scottish winger, an integral part of Nottingham Forest’s most glorious era, possessed a unique attacking talent that captivated Clough and proved decisive in the club’s unprecedented successes.

Clough’s managerial genius at Nottingham Forest is etched in football history. He famously guided the club from the Second Division to winning the First Division title in the 1977/78 season, an extraordinary feat. Even more remarkable were Forest’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, accomplishments that solidified Clough’s reputation as an elite manager and an innovative football legend.

While Forest boasted a squad brimming with talent, including stalwarts like Peter Shilton, Stuart Pearce, and even a young Roy Keane, none quite matched the impact or held the same esteem in Clough’s eyes as John Robertson. The enigmatic winger, with his exceptional skill and game-changing abilities, was the catalyst for many of the club’s greatest moments at the City Ground.

Robertson’s influence on Forest’s European dominance cannot be overstated. In the 1979 European Cup final, it was his precise assist that set up Trevor Francis for the winning goal against Malmo. The following year, in the 1980 final against Hamburg, Robertson transformed from provider to goalscorer, netting the decisive goal that secured Forest’s second consecutive European Cup.

Brian Clough’s admiration for John Robertson was profound and vocal. He famously described the Scottish international as “the Picasso of our game,” a testament to the winger’s artistic flair, creative vision, and ability to conjure moments of pure magic on the pitch. This high praise underlined Robertson’s unique standing within Clough’s esteemed teams.

Further insights into Robertson’s prowess come from his coach, Jimmy Gordon, who compared him to two of England’s finest ever players, highlighting his incredible speed, dazzling dribbling, and neat passing. His attacking talent made him a constant menace to defenders, exemplified by his brilliant individual goal in the 1980 European Cup final, a masterclass in skill and composure.

Perhaps the most compelling testament to Robertson’s quality came from a teammate, who astonishingly stated that the Scotsman was “like Ryan Giggs but with two good feet, not one.” This comparison elevated Robertson even above a modern Premier League icon, asserting that he possessed more overall ability, a superior ratio of creating goals, and was, ultimately, the better footballer.

John Robertson’s pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s historic European Cup victories solidifies his status as a true football legend. His extraordinary talent and ability to perform under pressure were indispensable to Clough’s success, proving that without Robertson’s “something out of the ordinary,” those iconic triumphs might never have been achieved.