Your dad broke through in the late 1980’s with so many home-grown talents such as Thomas, Hayes, Merson, Quinn, Adams etc. Which of the current youngsters do you rate?
There are the obvious ones like Wilshere, Ramsey and Szczesny, but one who has really impressed me this season is Oxlade-Chamberlain. Not going to lie, I was very under whelmed with this signing in the summer because I didn’t feel we needed another youngster. However, I’m happy to say I was wrong. He’s going to be a huge talent and easy to see why we splashed all that money on him.
It must be special when you hear the whole crowd sing your dad’s name. He was one of us. Can you describe the emotions you feel?
I thought about this question for a while. It’s not really something I can describe. It’s a mixture of emotions I guess, but it’s great that the fans still remember him and sing his name.
We have been so close but so far when it comes to trophies in recent seasons. Do you believe we can win something in 2012?
For sure we can win something. This is my favourite Arsenal team for a long time, probably since 07/08. Thing is you can tell the players are happy to be playing for each other now and also happy to be playing for Arsenal which is important.
So many fans are desperate for big name signings. I’m not convinced we need to strengthen so much. Do you think we need to buy and if so who?
I think we definitely need another striker. I know we have probably the best striker in the world at the minute, but I think he needs a little help up there and there’s always the risk of an injury. I’ve heard David Villa is unhappy at Barca. I know it’s unlikely to happen, but for me that would be an amazing signing. He can also play on the wings if needed and in home games we could drop Robin’s position a little deeper to accommodate both. He would also be a marquee signing – Arsene I hope your reading! (shortly after answering, Ryan heard the news on David Villa’s leg break so has updated his request to Pato from Milan, which he says should still work)
Have you met Arsene Wenger apart from at your father’s funeral and if so what is he like to chat with?
I met him at the Blackburn game last season on the 10th anniversary of Dad’s death. I really like Arsene, he’s just a very nice man and asks you a lot of questions and also has a great sense of humour. I told him I was studying journalism and he gave me and evil look then said ‘could be worse you could be a referee’. Hahaha!!
Thanks so much for taking the time Ryan. Gooners will love this small insight into your life. Do you have a message for all our readers?
No problem. Yeah thanks for all the love that people show me and my family and hope the answers weren’t too long!
Interview conducted by David Seager.
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Very touching and great interview. and was really touched when Ryan came out to represent his father at the 125 b/day celebrations. was really proud to be a gooner that day. Rocky is a true Arsenal legend and it pleases me to know that the arsenal family will NEVER forget him. sad he left us so young but i salute you Rocky and i salute you Ryan. you will be in my prayers always.
One of the greats, saw him play many times, so graceful on the ball, looked like he was born with it. I liked the goal he scored at Anfield in the League Cup. No back lift and it screamed into the net in front of us. Played so well, should have won, it was 1-1 and we lost the replay but won the league. Another great night I had at Anfield. This is Rocky.
I will never forget ROCKY ROCASTLE I will always remember the roar from the crowd when the ball fell at his feet as he played through the oppositions midfield and defence. I have a picture of Rocky hanging in my hallway of my house for all to see and love telling visitors stories of Rocky. I had tears the day I heard Rocky had left us and still have a tear in my eye each time I look at his picture. We will never forget you Rocky you will forever be in our hearts.
I watched David Rocastle on TV back then in the 1980s in Ghana on a weekly program called big league soccer. He, Lee Dixon and Paul Davis are the reason why I became an Arsenal fan. I was shocked when I read about his death. May his soul rest in peace. He was always a cheerful guy. Good luck to the family he left behind.