Mar 19

David Rocastle is an Arsenal legend. He was a phenomenal footballer, who mesmerised fans and opponents with his skills and wizardry. But more importantly, he was a gentleman. David was the epitome of loyalty and modesty, qualities that are sadly all too rare in football today.

Arsenal fans adored ‘Rocky’. On the one hand, he was their hero, whilst on the other, he was just one of them. David played the game as if he was the fans’ representative on the pitch, with immense passion and pride and always with 100% commitment. It was David’s deep love for Arsenal that ensured that, despite leaving the club in 1992, he never left the Arsenal family. And it is the Arsenal fans’ deep love and respect for David that ensures that his name continues to be sung at Arsenal matches, week in, week out, more than 15 years after leaving the club.

This site was created by two Arsenal fans who wanted to provide an outlet for Arsenal fans everywhere to express their ongoing love for David Rocastle. David is one of a number of Arsenal greats who have worn the famous No.7 shirt for the club and March 31st 2008 will be ‘Rocky 7 Day’ - the 7th anniversary of his passing. To mark this date, we would like to bring Arsenal fans together to try achieve something amazing in David’s treasured memory.

Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for Treehouse, the children’s autism charity, through the sale of our specially designed commemorative t-shirts. We are delighted to have joined forces with the leading Arsenal t-shirt website Arseshirts, and are proud to declare that every single penny of profit from the sale of the t-shirts will be given to the charity. If you don’t want a t-shirt but still want to give something to this great cause then click here and donate.

We call on you, Arsenal fans, to buy these t-shirts and wear them with pride, both to help raise much needed funds for a worthy cause, and to let the world know that we will never forget our beloved Rocky.

Mar 27

Son, nothing will ever replace losing you, we will carry your memories and your smile in our hearts forever.

Someone so special can never be forgotton

rest peacefully son, love always mum and Medford xxx

David Rocastle’s mum
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Other family members…

To my loving nephew Rest in peace miss you a lot
Aunty Cita

Mar 27

The Rocastle family would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the making of the site Rocky7, especially Aron and Marc for this fitting tribute to Remember David on his 7th Anniversary.

We always knew Dave was a unique person and it fills our hearts with joy to still hear his name being chanted at matches. We have read all your tributes / comments that have been left on various sites and we are truly touched to know that he has inspired so many people both young and old by doing what he loved best - playing football.

David Rocky Rocastle - True Legend - this is how you the fans describe him, what more can we say xx

Rocky Rocastle always in our hearts

love always, Karen and family

Karen Rocastle, David’s sister

Mar 26

“Dave was a true legend to all Arsenal Fans and this website shows how much he meant to everyone. I think the t-shirt “Loyalty, Bravery, Passion and Genius” describes David so well as a footballer and hopefully Arsenal can be all of the above by bringing the Premier League and Champions League to the Emirates on David’s 7th anniversary.

I’ll just like to thank the creators of this website Aron and Marc for having this fitting tribute in the memory of David.

RIP Big Bro, Sean (eggies)

Sean Medford, David’s brother

Mar 26

“Not a day goes by without me wishing you was here, to see what i have tried to carry on what you so gracefully started. There’s been loads of times when i’d love to hear your advise as football has many challenges, but i know your watching and guiding me from above.”

Loving and missing you as always

Craig Rocastle (Cousin and Footballer, Port Vale FC)

Mar 26

David Rocastle is to blame for my addiction. Think of the time, emotion and money I would have saved if I hadn’t ever seen him play.

No one forgets the moment they walk up the Highbury stairs on their supporting debut. Within minutes though I was drawn to Rocky, the ball looked glued to his feet, as he floated past opponents playing with all the desire and energy any one of the fans that loved him would play with. I was hooked. And he was my favourite player - still is.

I was 9 years old when Rocky agreed to be interviewed for my school newspaper. I don’t think I had ever been as nervous as I was that day. As I walked in I was greeted with that large familiar smile “Your not from the Sun are you?” I don’t think he could have made me feel any more comfortable. Answering my questions, posing for photos…. to this day it is still the highlight of my career. He was a true gentleman. When Rocky retired, we renamed the Sunday team we played in “Rocastle Rovers” - it is still going strong today.

Legend is a word that seems to easily used these days. In rocky’s case, its an understatment.

Ben Winston, Producer, In The Hands Of The Gods

Mar 25

“David Rocastle was my favourite player of the George Graham era. I remember him dribbling his way through more or less the entire Newcastle team in one of his first games, maybe even his debut; he went on to fulfill every bit of the promise he showed that afternoon. He was skilful and tenacious, gentle and fiercely competitive, and every single Arsenal fan adored him. I can’t remember being as deeply affected by the death of someone I didn’t know as I was by Rocky’s. I’m proud that TreeHouse is associated with him in this way.”

Best wishes

Nick Hornby

Mar 25

Hello, I am Tony, aka Fabregas the King from InsideArsenal weblog. Being born in 1956, I am old enough to remember the passionate Gooner who was willing to give his all for the club he loved. But for me and no doubt for other black guys of our generation, who grew up with the racial slurs and all that kind of nonsense, we saw Rocky as a role model and as proof that it was possible to succeed at being a talented black person in England.

He was truly Young Gifted and Black, and that alone enriched our lives. He was the light in our dark days of dealing with all that life threw at us. His success became our success and we bragged about him as if he was part of our own family. In a way I suppose as a Gooner, he was… I was struck by disbelief when the news came through that he had died, and so young.

I am the organiser of the planned vocal tribute and I am hoping that the Emirates roof will be lifted on the night of Wednesday 2nd April when we play Liverpool in the Champions League. Rocky will be there in spirit, and boy do we need his determination and will to win at the moment. I am deeply honoured to have been able to share some of my feelings, RIP Rocky, a massive Arsenal Legend, and peace and love to his family.

Tony Hall-Jones, InsideArsenal.co.uk

Mar 25

I remember David as a young boy around Turnham (Brockley). He was a well behaved boy and always showed enough respect and love to people around the area. When he became a professional footballer he didn’t change, he would still come and kick ball on a sunday with the lads (so did Wrighty). Although I am not a Gooner ;-) I know he was a legend, not just for Arsenal but for Turnham, one of the good things to come out of our community. All you young boys and girls in the community (especially Turnham/Brockley) remember if you put in the work you will achieve, like David did in his short but special and poignant life.

David you are a true legend who made, and continue to make your family very proud of your achievements. You will never be forgotten as I know that your family and friends will keep your memory alive. R.I.P.

Everton Taylor (and family)

Mar 24

“Rocky’s legend has that rare quality of transcending generations. Kids who were not even born when he played for us idolise him. Mr Wenger says he’d love to have a 20-year-old Rocky in the current team - and so say all of us. Charity is the best way of honouring his memory.”

Chas Newkey-Burden, author of The All-New Official Arsenal Miscellany and Arsenal Premiership Player Profiles

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