It has been an historical week for our beloved Arsenal. With statues of legends unveiled and a multitude of Gunner heroes honoured before the Everton match last Saturday, but for us middle aged Gooners it was also a time to remember the legend who could not be there.
David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle graced our team in the late eighties and early nineties, winning two titles and a League Cup under George Graham. Whenever the ill-informed recall this side as ‘boring’ and functional, I always remind them that we lost one game in the whole 1991 season, scoring a hatful of goals in the process and had in the team one of the most graceful and skilful midfielders of his era in Rocky.
I was fortunate enough to be able to conduct an online interview with David’s son Ryan, but before hand I had sent him this, a quote that Ryan did remember his dad sharing with him at a young age:
‘I ran home immediately to my wife in excitement and said, ‘I’ve seen the nearest thing to a Brazilian footballer you’ll ever see in our Academy…..and he’s from Lewisham!’ – David Dein on Rocky Rocastle.
I consider myself enormously honoured that Ryan, 20, agreed to this interview. After all I am just a passionate fan and his father was a hero to me when I was Ryan’s age. I hope you enjoy the questions and honest answers and take the opportunity to pay your respects to his father, a true home-grown Arsenal legend by leaving a comment or message for Ryan and his family.
Here is how the interview went down:
Hi Ryan, I saw you pictured with Thierry Henry last week at the celebrations at the Emirates. Do you still get to most games and where do you sit?
Yeah that was just after he had been given his statute, I’ve met him a few times now and he’s such a good guy. I go to the Emirates as often as I can and sit just behind the away dugout. I really like the seat.
I watched your dad so many times and have so many wonderful memories of his skill and talent. What are you favourite memories of your father as a footballer?
As a player you have watched him many more times than me. I’m only 20 so did not really get to see him play too much. I remember when he was playing in Malaysia towards the end of his career, he scored a brilliant free kick, but from his time at Arsenal I’ve mostly seen video of youtube clips. From those clips the best bit of skill was the goal at Old Trafford.
For those who haven’t seen this incredible goal please view HERE.
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.