“The disappointment with myself is that I didn’t see John in recent times,” Martin O’Neill | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill has opened up about the sad passing of his long-time close friend John Robertson and his regrets regarding not seeing his pal before he passed away…

John Robertson of Celtic says his farewels to Henrik Larsson during the 119th Scottish Tennents Cup Final between Celtic and Dunfermline held at Hampden Park on May 22, 2004. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The interim Celtic boss has spoken of his sadness following the death of former teammate John Robertson on Christmas Day.

The duo enjoyed major success at Nottingham Forest, lifting the European Cup twice, with Robertson playing a decisive role in both triumphs – creating the winning goal in the 1979 final and scoring the match-winner the following year.

A memorial message is displayed in remembrance of the late John Robertson, former Scottish football player, prior to the Scottish Premiership League match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on January 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Their partnership continued in management, where Robertson served as O’Neill’s assistant at Wycombe Wanderers, Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa, contributing to a string of trophies.

Speaking via The Scotsman, O’Neill said: ” I didn’t see him. Obviously, he would have known that I was up here (back atCeltic).

“But the week that I wanted to go up and see him, my granddaughter seriously was not well, [she] was in and out of hospital for two or three days, and I thought, listen, I’ll get there. I’ll get up and see John.

21.05.2003 Photo: imago/Colorsport –John Robertson and Martin O Neill in Seville 2002/2003, UEFA Cup Final. Photo Herren Mannschaft Totale Randmotiv Personen

“And I didn’t get to see him. And then I got the call on Christmas Day that he had died, and I’m really disappointed with myself, you know, that I didn’t see him in the latter stages.

“There might have been part of me thinking that maybe I didn’t want to see somebody as frail as he was, and maybe that’s your last thought of him, rather than the person I’ve known all these years. So, I don’t know. I’m a bit confused in that sense. But, yeah, a real loss, honestly. He really was special, you know, honestly. And, yeah, a special character.”

21.05.2003 Photo: imago/Colorsport – John Robertson and Martin O Neill in Seville 2002/2003, UEFA Cup Final. Photo Herren Mannschaft Totale Randmotiv Personen

Known for his approachable nature, Robertson quickly earned the respect and affection of dressing rooms wherever he worked. He was a constant presence during O’Neill’s initial tenure at Celtic, and the 73 year-old admitted he could only imagine the reaction Robertson would have had to his return for a third spell at the Hoops.

“A third time? He’d have thought that was laughable,” said O’Neill. “He would, honestly. He would have been like ‘You’re not wise Martin’.”

O’Neill confirmed his most recent conversation with Robertson took place a few months ago, before the Nottingham Forest hero sadly passed away on Christmas Day aged 72, having battled Parkinson’s disease and surrounded by his loved ones.

“John would get embarrassed with that, the fact that he wasn’t able to speak to you properly,” said O’Neill. “So, he would be there and maybe he didn’t want you to come up and see him in that shape.”

“But, yeah, he was, honestly, a special boy. A special player, you know, a special player, of which I was obviously very jealous because he got all the accolades, and quite rightly so.”

Celtic & theRangers players join Celtic fans in a minute of applause for former Celtic assistant manager John Robertson who died on Christmas Day. Celtic v theRangers, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 03 Jan 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

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