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.
March 21st, 2008 at 7:58 am
Quality website Aron and Marc. Rocky was a true Arsenal legend and your work is a fitting tribute to his memory.
Oh Rocky Rocky…
March 25th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Oh Rocky Rocky, Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocastle!
What a phenomenal player and a truly lovely guy. I met him once at an Arsenal Spurs game… he was so friendly.
Rocky, you are a true legend… we will never forget you.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Rocky was a real hero and one of the main reasons I started following Arsenal so seriously. Pure genuis, a real British Brazilian. Never forgotten
March 26th, 2008 at 4:06 am
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 describe david so well as a footballer and hopefully Arsenal can be all of the above by bringing the Premier League and Champion League to the Emirates on Davids 7th anniversary.
Ill just like to thank the creator of this website Aron and Marc for having this fitting tribute in the memory of David
RIP big bro Sean (eggies)
March 28th, 2008 at 2:50 am
loved him class player and a legend
March 28th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Rocky - you are STILL the man! You defined the spirit of this club; what you were we all aspire to be…you are the soul of Arsenal FC.
We’ll always remember you and sing your name with pride,
GoonerMike
March 28th, 2008 at 4:01 am
Great tribute to a great footballer and true gentleman.
He will live long in our thoughts.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:22 am
great site,
what a man.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:47 am
A shining light in Arsenals History
Both as a Gentleman and Player:
Forever Arsenal Forever Loved
RIP Rocky
March 28th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Unfortunately,I never met David,but I know first hand from witnessing the love generated by his mother Linda, and brother and sister, Sean and Karen what a wonderful person he was,and still is,to them.
As an Arsenal supporter I only have very fond memories of Rocky,a true legend who will never be forgotten.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Rocky, You are and always will be remembered,
You are the first player that I had on my shirt.
My son now has your name across his back 20 years later
Rest In Peace
March 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
a true gent and arsenal legend always a place in a true gooners heart for this great man, rip.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Rocky you were and remain my personal Arsenal Legend. Taken from this world far too young. I can only think that Heaven’s footy team has an absoloute legend at number 7 now.
You will forever be remembered at The Arsenal and my 11 year old son chants your name - he has been made aware of your legend status at our club.
RIP Rocky.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I’ve been an Arsenal fan for more years than I can remember and loved when David Rocastle played for the team.
In the year that the world was left bereft of David’s brilliance I met his cousin Rena through work and although the circumstances were saddened because of his death, I truly feel blessed in knowing her in in turn; having his memory kept alive through a wonderful friendship.
I hope he is resting in peace and that the memory of him remain vivid.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:26 am
TO THIS DAY I STILL MISS ROCKYS PASSION AND COMMITMENT TO THE ARSENAL CAUSE,IT WAS AN HONOUR TO SEE HIM PLAY IN THE ARSENAL SHIRT,HE IS AND WILL ALWAYS B A LEGEND.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:28 am
Well done to Aron, Marc & all at Matan Media for producing this fitting tribute to Rocky
March 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Thanks Aron and Marc. Really hope this is the success it deserves to be.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Pure Arsenal Legend.
Saw him crack in absolute beauty up at Anfield in the League Cup 89. Never forget the lob against ManU either.
RIP Rocky
March 30th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
My birthday today actually… But don’t care, this is Rocky’s day.
What a player he was, the fans loved him, a fantastic person and a true Gooner!
Hope the Rocky-song will go on more than ever against the scousers on wednesday. Very good site too. Thank you guys!
RIP LEGEND
March 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I met Rocky after the Hartlepool game in 1990 in the players lounge at Highbury. He was a true gentleman; was and still is a legend and a great example to younger players today.
We loved you mate!
Never Forgotten
March 31st, 2008 at 1:57 am
Rocky Rocastle…
True Arsenal legend, a man carrying the soul of Arsenal wherever he goes.
Missed but still adored by all the Arsenal family, we are proud to have had the honour of you playing for us.
Rest in Peace, and love and best wishes to his family
March 31st, 2008 at 2:02 am
Rocky Rocastle gave me some of my fondest memories of watching Arsenal when I was younger, and he was always both my brother and my favourite player.
Thanks for the memories.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:35 am
Rocky was and still is my hero an inspiration. I support Arsenal because of him and will always be proud of that fact.
I now run my own academy (www.evofootballacademy) and try my hardest to go into every session with Rocky’s
‘gentleman’ attitude, I feel with this I will never fail as Rocky never did and never will.
Forever in my heart Rocky, thanks for the memories.
David Etherington
March 31st, 2008 at 3:09 am
The comments about Rocky the Gentleman are so true. Met him twice. Played at Highbury in a promo match for the sponsor at the time. About 15 of us against 7 or 8 Arsenal plyers. Rocky thought we deserved a goal so dribbled the whole pitch past his Arsenal teammates (Winterburn, Adams, Davis etc) to score an own goal!! After the game all the players were by the bar in a huddle. Not Rocky - he stood with us commoners and just chatted for ages - nor airs and graces just a genuine, kind and considerate man. I hope Rocky’s family are reading this - we all know he was an exceptional footballer who bought great pleasure - but a good man with it. i met in Tottenham Court Road, London many years later coming out of a shop. He stopped, chatted and was at that time a Chelsea player I told him that whoever he played for all Arsenal fans loved him and always would - I’m so pleased to have been able to tell him that.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:15 am
R.I.P Rocky, thanks for all your efforts when you put on the Arsenal jersey, you are forever in our hearts and a true Arsenal legend!!
March 31st, 2008 at 4:28 am
A legend, the sole reason why I became an Arsenal supporter.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:04 am
You only have to read the comments left here to realise what a gent this guy was, he had a footballing talent that we all wanted and yet was so humble with it,he will never be forgotten by the Arsenal Family.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:39 am
Always a legend and always a gent…I’ll always remember him.xx
March 31st, 2008 at 9:33 am
Rocky you were the ROCK that the CASTLE stood on, and boy you made the team one hell of a lot stronger. Wish you were playing with us on Wed, but I know your spirit will be. UP THE GOONERS!.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:00 am
A great man and a great player, I’m too young to have seen him play in the flesh but he was my brother’s hero and from videos that Ive seen on the internet its easy to see how important he was to the team.
Gone but never forgotten, RIP Rocky.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:02 am
R.I.P true legend
March 31st, 2008 at 10:03 am
oh rocky rocky what a player what a person a true legend what would you do in the AFC team to day
So glad to see you play in the yellow and green of Norwich City
gone but never forgotten
Norwich City fan lets be havin u
March 31st, 2008 at 10:11 am
To the sad tottenham fan writing on here, Please do not sully this page with your pathetic ramblings there are places for your bile and here is not one, Rocky stood above petty childish actions like yours, Have the good grace to act like a man and get a life, and get out of ours
March 31st, 2008 at 10:31 am
had the honour of been present when rocky scored that great goal against boro ,one of the greatest goals ever scored at highbury.
THANKS ROCKY
March 31st, 2008 at 10:44 am
Wasn’t at Maine rd for long but still became a crowd favourite. RIP Rocky
March 31st, 2008 at 10:59 am
Rocky, you were the greatest player in the world, and will always be in all Arsenal surporters hearts.
Even though I never went to Arsenal to watch you- I was 5 when you past away. I’ve watched videos of you on Utube your still the best player who’s ever lived!!!!!! R.I.P Michael-11
John-37
Rocky,Rocky,Rocky,Rocky,ROCASTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:26 am
Rocky,
It was an honour to watch the man play for The Arsenal.Still sorely missed by all and the chanting of his name will continue for years to come.
A true Arsenal legend.
Dan
March 31st, 2008 at 11:31 am
I met Rocky when my younger brother (he was 11 then) was mascot for Arsenal. As my brother said, not even in my wildest dreams am I as good as you. He was a true gentleman. Respect Rocky, rip. Gone, but NEVER forgotten.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:32 am
Have been a Gooner all my life you were a great player,watched you play many times, you where an inspiration to many young players and its a tragedy that you were taken from this world so young. Rest in Peace Rocky we will never forget you.
Glenn (aka Gooner Bouy)
March 31st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Although ime not a true Arsenal fan I saw you many times playing at Highbury and my daughter and myself had the honour to meet you in the players lounge at Highbury when she was just 8, you were a gentleman and a great ambassador for the game. You are sadly missed Rocky (RIP)
Sharon
March 31st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
RIP Rocky,loved to watch you play and believe you were a class act all round.
Gone ,but glad to see and hear never forgotten.
GGTTH.
March 31st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Rocky - I had the pleasure of watching you play throughout your career at Arsenal. You were a fantastic player and a true gentleman.
You will never be forgotten.
God Bless You. RIP.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
From a Celtic and a Man United fan and most of all a football fan, i wish you peace Rocky.
You were a true great.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
God bless Rocky. Rest in peace.
Gone, but never forgotten.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:45 am
Although I began supporting Arsenal after David had retired, it is obvious that he was and still is a hugely valued member of our family. He is sorely missed but never forgotten. God bless him and his family.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:11 am
Rocky, you were one of Arsenal’s greats, the mazy runs down the right wing, the laid back attitude and you played the game with a smile on your face. I am so glad all your success was with Arsenal, you will never be forgotton. Peace and blessings my brother
April 1st, 2008 at 5:50 am
Although Iam a luton supporter, i loved watching rocky he is a true ledgend.20 years on from our wembley win and too many of those greats are no longer with us. RIP Rocky, David Preece, Les Sealy and Ray Harford.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:39 am
R.I.P ROCKY.
A TRUE GUNNERS LEGEND.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Aron and Marc
You are legends yourselves for carrying this mans name and making sure he is never forgotten (In my head and heart he will never be)
I myself remember the era of Mickey Thomas, Paul Merson, Paul Davis, John Lukic, Marwood and the famous back four of the Late 80’s, early nineties. Since then Arsenal have gone from strength to strength with doubles, F.A Cups, Premierships, Cup Winners Cups. But my first real taste of glory (was 10 years old in the 79 cup final) was the 87 Littlewoods Cup, the reason this has a great memory for me and always will was because of Ol’ Rocky Rocky, Rocky Rocky Rocky, Rocky Rocastle
They say your first big birthday is your 18th, well on my 18th Birthday 4th March 1987 we played Tottenham at the lane in the semi-final replay, after going a goal down and then an equaliser by Ian Allison, it was down to the Legend to deliver my greatest birthday present by getting the winner and sending us to Wembley.
I am now approaching my 40th birthday, a mere 22 years later and in this time I have never received a present that could match this and don’t think I ever will.
Rocky is still a Legend, and I wear his name and number and the date on my shirt, when people ask why this date, I’m proud to tell them, it’s a present from the legend himself
April 1st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I am proud to call David my cousin, he was an oustanding footballer and individual in his own right. He was like the big brother I never had and will remain so even though he is no longer with us. His smile on and off the pitch was heart-warming and whoever he came in contact with no matter what age could only do the same but to smile.
That’s the David Rocastle we know and love, a unique, talented, inspiring role model who worked hard to achieve his goals and excelled with determination and pure heart.
The love and support given to David by his mother, siblings and extended family throughout his life was reflected in his character, personality and qualities as a kind, generous and humble man who would stay grounded and never let the limelight go to his head.
David you were a legend in my eyes and still are and I am sure will always be to your fans and supporters.
If we win the Champions League and The Premier League titles this year then I know it is because you are there with us on the sidelines. You may not be on the field but will be with us in spirit smiling as always.
R.I.P dear cousin David I will always love you!
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:40 am
First and foremost I remember almost stride for stride the run with the ball and smashing into the net to make us champions. A true Arsenal hero I was sadder to see him leave Arsenal than Paul Merson when he went, which says something. Rocky really did it for us when it counted. Especially as the uni bar was full of Spurs fans who came in waiting for the final whistle and league failure.
Happy memories of a time when the club and football were very different. Thanks for those.
RIP Rocky
April 5th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
My son is autistic and thanks to you and your family he and many other autistic children will be helped by the sale of the t shirts,i have been a gooner since 1967 and i can honestly say you were one of the greats for Arsenal and a true Gentleman.
RIP my friend
April 7th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I started following Arsenal around 1985 when i was 12. I grew up watching Davis,Thomas,Rocastle. I loved watching Rocky play. His smile could light up the dullest of days. Seeing his face when we won at Anfield is something i will never forget. The day Arsenal sold Rocky was the lowest for a lot of Gooners. I/WE Have seen so many players come and go, Rocky leaving was like loosing a mate. I still see Rocky as a Mr Arsenal. He may be gone But i will never forget Rocky Rocastle. I still chant his name sometimes while i work. Thanks Rocky i love you Bro. ps we also have an autistic son. So thank you.
April 11th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
manz a legend WHAT CAN I SAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 17th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Hi Chris Waddle,Rocky was not just a great footy player but a lovely person aswell on the occasions i met him no heirs or graces just a sound down to earth guy ,who loved his footy and was living the dream like all kids want to and to play for his country was the pinnacle i am sure and his ablity and his down to earth attiude got him there it was a pleasure to play with and against him (no booing spurs)he was a top man .Cheers Rocky x
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 am
41 years to the day since Rocky was born
he is sadly missed