About David Rocastle
David Carlyle Rocastle (2 May 1967 – 31 March 2001) was an English professional footballer who played as a midfielder in the roles of a playmaker and a winger. He spent the majority of his career at Arsenal where he was nicknamed "Rocky". Rocastle then went on to feature in the Premier League for Leeds United, Manchester City and Chelsea, before playing in the Football League for Norwich City and Hull City and finishing his career in Malaysia with Sabah FA. Rocastle also played for the England national team, in all earning 14 international caps for the Three Lions. Arsène Wenger, who became Arsenal manager four years after Rocastle left the club, has described him as "a modern player, because the revolution of the game has gone on to more technique, and more skill" and as having an "exceptional dimension as a footballer". Rocastle is seen as a universally popular, iconic and legendary figure by many Arsenal fans, who often still chant his name at matches. The David Rocastle indoor centre at Arsenal's academy is named after him and his name is displayed at the Emirates Stadium. Rocastle, still only 19, went on to score the winning goal in the 1986–87 League Cup semi-final replay against Tottenham Hotspur which was won by a margin of 2 goals to 1 at White Hart Lane. Rocastles first goal came three weeks earlier in the FA-cup game against Luton Town 15 February which ended in a 2–2 draw. Due to his feats during this season, Rocastle was bestowed with the honour of being named in the 1986–87 PFA Team of the Year and as well won the 1987 Barclays Young Eagle award.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.