John Robertson, the legendary figure of Nottingham Forest, had his final wishes unveiled, leaving his estate to his wife and daughter following his passing at 72.
Upon his death on Christmas Day, Robertson’s estate was valued at £168,348.
The beloved footballer also expressed a heartfelt wish to be cremated, with his ashes laid to rest alongside his late daughter, Jessica, whom he shared with his first wife, Sally.
Recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of what is now the Premier League club, Forest, the Scottish international left an indelible mark on the sport.
Robertson was integral to Forest’s iconic consecutive European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980 and their First Division triumph.
He famously assisted Trevor Francis in scoring the decisive goal in the first European final and then scored himself in the subsequent final against Hamburg.
Born John Neilson Robertson on January 20, 1953, he died following an illness.
He lived in Nottingham and his will – written on August 7, 2010 – has revealed 75 per cent of his estate has been left to his second wife Sharyl Robertson.
Nottingham Forest icon John Robertson – a two-time European Cup winner – died aged 72 on Christmas Day
The remaining 25 per cent goes to his living daughter Elizabeth, from his first marriage.
He also leaves two sons Andrew and Mark, from his second marriage, and two granddaughters named Jess and Phoebe.
Robertson’s will reads: ‘I wish my body to be cremated. And my ashes to be buried or scattered with my daughter Jessica Robertson at Wilford Hill, Nottingham.’
The late footballer – capped 28 times for Scotland – appointed his wife as one of the executors.
The will continues that if his wife was still alive at the time of his death, he would leave his estate in the following shares: ‘As to 75 per cent thereof to my wife Sharyl Robertson for her own use and benefit absolutely.
‘As to 25 per cent thereof to my daughter Elizabeth Robertson absolutely.’
The grant of probate document reads: ‘John Neilson Robertson died on December 25, 2025.
‘The last will and testament of John Neilson Robertson was proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.
Robertson, pictured at Forest in 1971, also turned out for Scotland and Derby County
After his retirement Robertson went into coaching, holding assistant roles at clubs including Celtic and Aston Villa
‘The application has stated that the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £176,250 and the net value amounted to £168,348.’
Robertson made his debut for the Midlands outfit in October 1970 and stayed for a 13-year stint at the club.
He then dropped down into the Second and Third Division with Derby County for a couple of years before returning to end his career at Forest in the top flight in 1985-86.
The left winger made 502 appearances during his two spells at Forest and scored 95 goals.
With Scotland, he is remembered for scoring the winning penalty as they beat England 1-0 at Wembley in 1981 to win the British Home Championship.
He scored against New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup, having also played in the 1978 tournament.
After retiring, he went into coaching and was an assistant to Martin O’Neill at Celtic, and also held an assistant role at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester and Aston Villa.
In 2015, a poll by the Nottingham Post revealed him to be the fans’ all-time favourite player.
