David Rocastle Arsenal hero and Legend.When an Arsenal fan thinks of significant dates in the club`s history, our minds would likely wistfully turn to 26th May, 1989, or 25th April, 2004. Perhaps those of a certain maturity would recall 8th May, 1971 with great relish. Today however, marks an altogether more sombre day etched onto the club`s calendar. It is ten years ago today that Arsenal Football Club lost one of its favourite sons. David Carlyle Rocastle was a product of Arsenal`s youth Academy. A Lewisham lad, he made his debut for the first team in 1985 at the age of 17. His mixture of energy, determination and flair established him as a firm fan favourite as a teenager. Before he reached his 34th birthday, he lost his battle with non Hodgkins lymphoma. Today marks ten years since his passing.David Rocastle Arsenal
When somebody passes, human nature dictates that we mumble our apologies, bow our heads solemnly and say nice things about the deceased. Yet even though I and thousands of others that adored him from the stands did not have the pleasure of meeting the guy, his warmth radiated out to us in a way that was so genuine. We could see it in the way he played and the way he conducted himself. He played in a way that bought supporters to their feet; unusually for such a flair player of poise and skill, he was just as likely to raise the noise levels inside the ground with a firm tackle as a deft shimmy. He played with a smile, but also in a way that showed that he knew exactly what it was to represent Arsenal- the club he supported from childhood. (He broke down in fits of tears when George Graham informed him he had accepted an offer from Leeds in 1992). It`s impossible to imagine how a player could possibly tick any more boxes in cementing a positive relationship with supporters.
It was obvious that Rocky was one of life`s nice guys too. There`s a very famous picture of him, taken in around 1991 at Highbury. He`s decked out in his red Arsenal kit, glancing firmly towards the cameras with his thumb up. It`s a picture that tells a thousand words, it said; "I belong in this kit; in this stadium." Rocky`s infectiousness was loved by the supporters and his character was well loved by his contemporaries too. Ian Wright, who grew up on a neighbouring Lewisham estate and caught the bus to training with Rocastle referred to him as "my little brother." David Dein remarked, "There was so much more to Rocky than being a gifted footballer. He was a consummate gentleman, warm and modest. His genuine sincerity was remarked upon by so many, even those who only met him momentarily." Perhaps my favourite Rocky eulogy came from David O`Leary, who tearfully told reporters that, "If you were picking a team of nice people, Rocky would be captain."
Rocastle`s death was pertinent to me in a way that no other footballer`s death has been. I remember Alf Ramsey, Bobby Moore, Brian Clough and Stanley Matthew`s deaths and recall observing the minute`s silence for all of them. I fully comprehend why their deaths were to be mourned and their lives celebrated. I followed the tributes and the film reels with absorption. On a personal level, Rocky was different for me. He started my first ever match at Highbury, against Leeds United in March 1992. At around the age of 6, when I was beginning to catch the family bug for the sport and beginning to become aware that I needed to choose an allegiance; Rocastle was in his prime.
