The David Rocastle Collection
The man they called Rocky was a knockout
| Full name: | David Carlyle Rocastle |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: | May 2, 1967 |
| Date of death: | March 31, 2001 |
| Clubs played for: | Arsenal, Leeds, Manchester City, Chelsea, Norwich (loan), Hull (loan) |
Club Career
A huge favourite with the Highbury faithful, 'Rocky' was one of the 1980s stars who came through the junior ranks at the club under George Graham.
Transferred for more than £5million during his career to clubs including Leeds, Manchester City and Chelsea - big money in those days - but never again hit the heights he achieved in his prime at Arsenal.
Tragically, he died of cancer in March 2001, at the age of just 33.
Club Stats
| Years | Clubs | App | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984-92 | Arsenal | 218 | 24 |
| 1992-93 | Leeds | 25 | 2 |
| 1993-94 | Manchester City | 21 | 2 |
| 1994-98 | Chelsea | 29 | 0 |
| 1997 | Norwich (loan) | 11 | 0 |
| 1997 | Hull (loan) | 11 | 1 |
International Career
Rocastle won 14 caps during a four year England career, and never finished on the losing side - winning seven and drawing seven. But he was left out of both the 1990 World Cup squad and the squad for Euro 92.
International Career Stats
| Years | Clubs | App | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-92 | England | 14 | 0 |
Key Games
Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal (League Cup semi-final replay, March 4, 1987)
Arguably Rocastle's most memorable performance in an Arsenal shirt. Two previous games had failed to separate the sides, with the scores finishing 2-2 on aggregate. Tottenham went ahead in the replay at White Hart Lane, with Clive Allen scoring his third goal in the tie but, after substitute Ian Allinson pulled a goal back late in the second half, Rocastle sealed a memorable win with a fine winner in injury time.
Poland 0-0 England (World Cup qualifier, October 11, 1999)
Rocastle didn't enjoy the international career his talent warranted, but he played his part in helping to secure England's place at Italia 90 thanks to this battling goalless draw in the Slazki Stadium in Chorzow. Unfortunately for Rocastle, he was then left out of the 22 for the finals.
Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal (First Division, May 26, 1989)
A game no Arsenal fan will ever forget. Needing to win by two clear goals at Anfield to deny Liverpool the title on goal difference, they duly did so courtesy of Michael Thomas' last-gasp goal with virtually the final kick of the season. That strike, added to Alan Smith's first half opener, earned Rocastle his first Championship winners' medal.
Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | First Division Championship | 1988-89, 1990-91 |
| League Cup | 1987 |
Did You Know...?
After being fouled by Alan Hansen during an Arsenal-Liverpool match, the young Rocastle picked himself up, dusted himself down and mockingly asked the ageing defender: "Getting old?"
Six weeks after Rocastle's death in March 2001, his son Ryan was Arsenal's mascot for the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.
April 1st, 2006 was designated 'David Rocastle Day' as part of the season-long celebration of Arsenal's tenure at Highbury before their move to the Emirates. Fans paid tribute to Rocastle before the game by staging a minute's applause and, fittingly, the Gunners then went on to beat Aston Villa 5-0.
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