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David Rocastle made his name at Arsenal, coming through the
youth team and making himself a first team regular in the side that
won the Milk Cup in 1987 (where Rocky's goal against Spurs in the
semi proved crucial), and then the League Championship in 1989.
With 14 caps for England under his belt, he had a slight blip in
form in 1990, but was back in the side by the time George Graham's
squad won their second title in 1991, but his talent and ability
did not always seem to be enough for the dour Graham.
When Howard Wilkinson brought him to Leeds in the close season
after Leeds had won the Championship in 1992, he was at first seen
as a replacement for veteran Gordon Strachan. Unfortunately for
Rocastle, Strachan's days at Leeds were far from over, and a large
number of his appearances for Leeds were as a substitute. Rocastle
joined at a strange time for Leeds: the team were Champions, but
never quite got into gear the following season, and were
permanently struggling. Rocky only made 34 appearances for Leeds,
with 2 goals - against Chelsea and Manchester City, 2 clubs he
would subsequently play for.
His final appearance for Leeds was a sub against his beloved
Arsenal in December 1993 - he moved on for a brief spell at Maine
Road before returning to the capital with Chelsea. Beset by
injuries, and as a result struggling for form, he had loan spells
with Norwich, Hull and also played out in Malaysia before being
diagnosed with cancer in February 2001. He died on March 31 2001 at
the age of 33.
Asa Hjelm says: I met Dave in Enkping, Sweden, 1988. That day I
found a real friend! He always had a big smile and could always
make ME smile when things were rough... We stayed in contact for
four years. Whenever I came to London or he to Sweden we met to
catch up the latest... I cannot express my feelings when I read my
newspaper that morning in March. I feel sorry for his wife and
especially his children. Dave often told me about his own father
who passed away when Dave was young. I am glad that I met him and
really got to know him. He was a true friend and I will never
forget him!
Alex Wilkes says: I just remember his playing days and it was a
real shock when I found out that he had died. I feel really sorry
for his family and friends.
Mansi says: his daughter was my best frenz friend in
malaysia.
Dean Barrett says: first time i met rocky was at arsenal JVC
training ground with all the other players on a friday morning.Then
every friday onwards became autograph days where i used to go to
the ground religiously,and rocky would talk to you and he would
mainly be with paul davis chris whyte.as being 32 myself it was a
shock to see him fall ill.his shirt is hanging on my wall
autograohed and framed so he will always be remembered.
D Saunders says: I met David back in 1990 at a fellow Arsenal
player's wedding reception and we became really special friends -
he is never far from my thoughts to this day. The pain has gone now
D. Your smile was everlasting and I know you are smiling down at
everyone even now. God bless.
Neil Spofforth says: RIP Rocky
anon says: i really love rocky he was and still is my role model
since the day he died i never wanted to play football but i knew he
would of never wanted that so r.i.p peace david rocastle love u
always uncle
Lionel John says: May god bless Rocastle Rest In Peace!
Ashley Hyne says: David Rocastle will always be a true hero in
South London. Here's a story about him that I'll never forget.
Rocastle went to Roger Manwood secondary school and they played
Malory school (who had a fairly decent football team at that stage)
one Saturday. Manwood evidently won 7-0 with Rocastle scoring all
the goals, and it was explained to me that at the end of the match
he was beating players and then dragging the ball back to take them
on again. I went to see his first game for the Arsenal against
Newcastle (0-0) with Carl Leaburn's (Charlton's enigmatic striker)
brother. Afterwards Don Howe said 'David passed when he should have
shot, and shot when he should have passed, but he's a going to be a
great player'. And he was.
Mr X says: David Rocastle was probably one of the best players
Arsenal ever had. He joined them on leaving school in 1983, and
three years later was a regular first team player. He won a league
cup and two league championships before joining Leeds for
£2million in 1992. He was at Elland road for 18 months before
another £2million fee took him to Manchester City. He there
for less than a year before Chelsea signed him in a
£1.25million deal. Although he played 28 games in 1994/95 and
one game in 1995/96, he remained on the club's playing staff until
June 1998. During the two seasons before he was on loan at Norwich
and later at Hull. He played in Malaysia for a year before
retiring. At international level, he played 14 times for England
and although he never scored a goal he was never on the losing
side.
David Rocastle (1967-2001)
R.I.P
jake says: met rocky a few times and he was a true gent!
Derek Lo says: David ROCKY rocastle FANTASTIC FOOTBALLER with
great vison and skill david had the lot and he should have had more
caps a really great arsenal player wonderful talent sadly missed
god bless THERES ONLY ONE ROCKY
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