Thanks for the good times, Rocky

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What can be said about the great David Rocastle that hasn’t already been said? Today marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Rocky who was taken from us aged just 33. He was Arsenal through and through and you could see the pride he had in wearing the shirt every time he represented his beloved Gunners. His goals, enthusiasm, ambition, work-rate and genuine passion for the team and football were overwhelmingly evident every time he stepped over the line. And his smile was infectious. If Rocky was smiling the Arsenal were winning. He smiled a lot. I had the fortune of meeting and chatting with him once as we watched the reserves at Fulham. He was watching his younger brother Stephen who played for the Cottagers.
It can be daunting meeting your idols but immediately he put you at ease and chatted away as if he was just another fan. Which he was of course. But not just ‘another’ fan – a true legend one who will is still bitterly missed. I think it was David O’Leary who said that if you wanted to make up a team of genuinely nice guys Rocky would fill every position. The day he died we played T******** at home and to guage what respect he commanded even by that lot, the minute’s silence was immaculately observed. I have to say they were a credit. But then again, this was honouring Rocky after all. RIP Rocky, taken too young. Let us hope the club do him proud in honouring him at home to Blackburn on Saturday. For a brilliant and more fulsome tribute to the man, read this.
To the business of the day and reports say our title bid will be boosted by the return from injury of three crucial players this weekend. Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Alex Song are all expected to return against Blackburn. Meanwhile, Abou Diaby remains a doubt, as does Robin van Persie, although it is said that our medical staff are encouraged that the Dutch striker did not seriously damage his knee playing for his country on Tuesday. RVP was replaced at half-time after taking a kick on the joint against Hungary but Holland coach Bert van Marwijk said he could be fit for Saturday “with luck”. Talking of RVP, check out this video of his son, four, scoring past him with a peach of a goal. Sign him up, Arsene!