Rocky RIP

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pureclaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by pureclaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:05 pm

RIP Rocky , Almost all of my football watching hes been there 1966 onwards, He was an aquired tatse but what a charcter

Sleeping Cat
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Sleeping Cat » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:09 pm

Very sad day. RIP Rocky.

Leisure
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Leisure » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:10 pm

Very sad news. Condolences to his family and friends from myself and all at Accy Clarets. He traveled a few times with us when we shared buses to away games with Boundary and I have found memories of sharing a minibus trip with him to Bristol Rovers for a night match.
Last edited by Leisure on Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

martin_p
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by martin_p » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:10 pm

Really sad news. I, like others on the thread, only knew him by sight (and sound!) rather than in person and it can be no greater tribute that the news has saddened so many who didn’t know him.

RIP Rocky.

claretonthecoast1882
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:12 pm

Sad news.

I remember coming back from Doncaster (think it was) in the old 4th division one Winter and we had one of the side windows smashed on the top deck of the bus. We came back I had an open window on one side and Rocky on the other. Took a while for both ears to recover.

RIP Rocky

TheOriginalLongsider
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by TheOriginalLongsider » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:17 pm

In Cologne for the 2006 World Cup I was fast asleep - until Rocky rolled up at the bar underneath. I was treated to his entire repertoire of Burnley songs.

bfcpete
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by bfcpete » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:22 pm

I remember going to Exeter City at the end of the season one year. Rocky cam bounding up the terracing to see someone behind us and tripped and smashed some teeth out on the barrier i was leaning on. He just got up and carried on like nothing had happed. Legend. RIP

Herts Clarets
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Herts Clarets » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:22 pm

Unless you were blind, deaf and wore waterproofs to each game, then you couldn't miss Rocky. One of the great characters and as staunch a fan as you can get. One of the funniest things I saw on You Tube was a Burnley fan on an open top bus in Athens for the Olympiakos game and they pass another open top bus, only to spot Rocky on the next bus.

As has been mentioned previously, I don't think there will be a moments peace for anyone wherever Rocky ends up, but all the same RIP Rocky. A true Claret.

Mondsley
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Mondsley » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:24 pm

Another one here who didn't "know" him, but you couldn't fail to know of him. Sat and watched him at Chesterfield where the stewards had no idea how to handle him! RIP Rocky, a true Claret.

Sozturf7
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Sozturf7 » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:30 pm

Many, many years ago I had to pay a visit at work to the Ducpits where Rocky worked. I don't remember the reason but I was told to ask Rocky when I got there. I said how will I recognise him, I was told with a laugh oh you'll recognise him, laugh again. I did of course, what a caracter. RIP Rocky.

Jel
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Jel » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:33 pm

RIP Rocky, a character surely infamous at most grounds in the country.
Always passed the time of day with him and managed a pint and a chat preseason at Altringham.
There'll never be another!

Claretlad
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Claretlad » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:42 pm

RIP Rocky,you will be sadly missed.

Quickenthetempo
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Quickenthetempo » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:44 pm

Herts Clarets wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:22 pm
Unless you were blind, deaf and wore waterproofs to each game, then you couldn't miss Rocky. One of the great characters and as staunch a fan as you can get. One of the funniest things I saw on You Tube was a Burnley fan on an open top bus in Athens for the Olympiakos game and they pass another open top bus, only to spot Rocky on the next bus.

As has been mentioned previously, I don't think there will be a moments peace for anyone wherever Rocky ends up, but all the same RIP Rocky. A true Claret.
I went sight seeing the next day in Athens and could here Rocky about 100 yards away, he was only talking as well.

DCWat
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by DCWat » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:56 pm

Boss Hogg wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:30 am
Didn’t know him but was hard not to know of him. One of my earliest memories of going to Turf Moor many years ago is of him screaming every time a goal kick was taken. Clubs needs characters and supporters like this. RIP.
As a youngster starting out watching Burnley, during our fall down the leagues, that screech was often the most entertaining thing of the afternoon!

Sorry to hear this news, RIP Rocky and condolences to all those who were close to him.

ClaretMov
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by ClaretMov » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:57 pm

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BleedingClaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by BleedingClaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:57 pm

Very Sad RIP Rocky :-(

gawthorpe_view
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by gawthorpe_view » Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:58 pm

Sad news indeed.
R.I.P. Rocky.

AwayClaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by AwayClaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:03 pm

I always used to say to him "get ya f^cking haircut"
Replied "p*ss of ya basturd"

RIP Rocky.

clansman
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by clansman » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:06 pm

Nothing more to add, so sad and another of our “family” gone.
UTC

burnleytom
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by burnleytom » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:12 pm

TopCat wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 12:09 pm
Never forget him being thrown out at Northampton.
There’s a fantastic photo of this somewhere. Can’t seem to find it today, but I also remember that so vividly. A mountain of stewards and Rocky in his yellow Adidas change strip.
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warksclaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by warksclaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:21 pm

What a sad day for our fans. Walking to the ground knowing we won't see or hear him again is very sad
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onewillieirvine
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by onewillieirvine » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:22 pm

A sad day indeed, RIP Rocky

DocFoster
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by DocFoster » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:27 pm

Sad sad day. RIP Rocky. You'll be sorely missed.

ArnoldBenson
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by ArnoldBenson » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:30 pm

Maybe I'm just getting old and maudlin' but so much lately has seemed like the end of an era at the club. The departure of one of our best ever managers, the moving on of so many players who have been stalwarts of recent years, and overseas ownership after always being 'locally' owned. The passing of Rocky just puts the tin hat on it.
RIP Rocky, a legend.
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Guitargeorge
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Guitargeorge » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:31 pm

Classic Rocky when he was selling his tickets outside the main entrance. His sales banter went something like “ Come on you tight bastards, get yer money out” RIP mate

Tribesmen
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Tribesmen » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:34 pm

Funny really i sat next to him in the 2nd half at the Shamrock Rovers game in Dublin , he seems very sedate for most of it .

HahaYeah
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by HahaYeah » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:35 pm

burnleytom wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:12 pm
There’s a fantastic photo of this somewhere. Can’t seem to find it today, but I also remember that so vividly. A mountain of stewards and Rocky in his yellow Adidas change strip.
Yes, that's a classic.

GodIsADeeJay81
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:36 pm

burnleytom wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:12 pm
There’s a fantastic photo of this somewhere. Can’t seem to find it today, but I also remember that so vividly. A mountain of stewards and Rocky in his yellow Adidas change strip.
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The Enclosure
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by The Enclosure » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:45 pm

RIP Rocky. Always said hello as I walked past on match days.. Couple of seasons ago i bought a Jimmy Mac enamel badge which i gave to Rocky to put with the many others on his cap.
He was thrilled to bits with it.

Cheshireclaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Cheshireclaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:52 pm

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:36 pm
Screenshot_20220630-143544~2.png
I might be wrong but I think that’s Northampton (a) final game of the season and we relegated The Cobblers. He was ejected but ended up on the hill dancing, much to the delight of us all in the away end.

RIP Rocky - You’ll always be a Claret!

Staniola
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Staniola » Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:12 pm

Luton away, first day of the season 1996. Me and my mate had organised a coach as it was our 40ths. After a lengthy pub stop, we were being taken through Luton in an escort. Rocky was stood on the arms of the seats with his head through the skylight of the coach, hurling abuse at any Luton fan he could see. All of a sudden, the driver had to anchor on and Rocky flew backwards through the air, landing on his back and skidding down to the front of the coach, amidst absolute uproar. He jumped up, screamed at the driver “you f*cking *******” and returned to his abuse position as though nothing had happened. Absolute comedy gold. RIP Rocky
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Vegas Claret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Vegas Claret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:16 pm

Struggling to remember an away game where he wasn't there, absolute fruit cake of a bloke ! RIP Rocky

Zlatan
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Zlatan » Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:32 pm

ClaretMov wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 1:57 pm
Screenshot_20220630-135529_Facebook.jpg
Honestly, absolutely no disrespect intended when I say that this looks like an older Chris Wood.

I’m sure Rocky would tell me to “F off you W*****” as he laughs at the suggestion

Cornwallclaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Cornwallclaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:41 pm

Took my 2 young daughters to a pre season friendly at Torquay quite a few years ago now, their 1st taste of a football game.There was probably 3-400 hundred clarets there, not long into the game this bellowing abusive voice stood out.. both girls looked at me said., daddy, whose that? I just sighed and said … that’s Rocky
Never knew him. But like most of us knew of him
RIP Rocky

ClaretTony
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by ClaretTony » Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:43 pm

Cheshireclaret wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:52 pm
I might be wrong but I think that’s Northampton (a) final game of the season and we relegated The Cobblers. He was ejected but ended up on the hill dancing, much to the delight of us all in the away end.

RIP Rocky - You’ll always be a Claret!
It was the previous season under Waddle when we won 1-0

aclaretinstevenage
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by aclaretinstevenage » Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:28 pm

TopCat wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 12:09 pm
Never forget him being thrown out at Northampton.
That was unbelievable, took 4 or 5 stewards to drag him out, all for standing on Yellow steps!!

claretgimmer
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by claretgimmer » Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:30 pm

They certainly broke the mold when they made him, a true clarets legend in every sense of the word, cut him and I think he would have bled claret & blue, a character never likely to be replaced. RIP Rocky enjoy your view from the free seats.

aclaretinstevenage
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by aclaretinstevenage » Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:33 pm

I'll never forget an away match at Ipswich, a kind female steward helped Rocky and Rockette to their front row seats, the game kicked off, Rocky stood up yelling "Get into em, get into em. W*****s W*****s". The look on the stewards face is a picture implanted in my head forever.

Classic Rocky. R.I.P

Goalposts
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Goalposts » Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:35 pm

To many story’s to mention, and a lot of anecdotes already captured above. One of life’s characters and sadly they are becoming fewer and fewer. A true claret legend, and if you ever met him in a quieter moment, which were few and far between , a nice bloke to boot

Top Claret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Top Claret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:53 pm

Some great storeys and tributes to Rocky. The guy was a character who will never be forgotten

clitheroeclaret3
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by clitheroeclaret3 » Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:55 pm

Have enjoyed reading some of the above stories, lots of lolling :lol:

Can`t add anything other than there`s arguably no one more deserving of a final drive past their beloved Turf Moor?
RIP Rocky

Cirrus_Minor
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Cirrus_Minor » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:00 pm

Very sad news indeed. Certainly was a colourful character and not exactly quiet if you were near him. Probably was one of the most recognisable Burnley fans, for many reasons, which is in itself quite an accolade.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Marty Dobson
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Marty Dobson » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:15 pm

RIP to a Clarets legend. Last few home games he wasn't in his usual haunts but was in the Miners before games instead. I had spoken to him now and again over the years and could see he was subdued and a bit morose. I went over and said 'Heyup Rocky'..he looked up and simply said 'f**k off.' I took his advice in good spirits as I sadly realised he wasn't well in himself. Did I ever tell the story of him on the way to Newcastle stopping the coach on the moors near Ripon and rushing out with a big roll..perhaps I'll pass on it in honour of his memory. No matter what form he was in he always took up a collection for the coach driver on the return journey. A heart of gold beneath a daft exterior. As the old Irish saying goes ní bheidh a leithead ann arís .. meaning we won't see his like again
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Bin Ont Turf
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Bin Ont Turf » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:29 pm

Just been told that he's trending on Twitter. :)

Thanks for lifting the gloom at Port Vale that time.

Peace be with you.

Billy Balfour
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Billy Balfour » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:41 pm

RIP Derek. Quite the character on match days, a true gent the rest of the time.

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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Vino blanco » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:47 pm

A legend and a one-off was our Rocky, RIP mate.

turfytopper
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by turfytopper » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:54 pm

totally dedicated to The Clarets. I spoke to him at Brentford in March and it was quite sad to see he had deteriorated.
In 1992 I took my kids to Aldershot and sat on the front row of the stand...along comes Rocky, drunk as a skunk and as he tried to get through he stumbles and started to fall towards my 3 year old. Of course I threw myself in front of my youngster to break Rocky's fall.
A complete nutter and a one off. I hear he even got thrown out of his own retirement party when he left the Water Board.
Yet I was always really fond of the bloke, a real character. The like never to be seen again.
RIP Rocky and thanks for the memories. UTC

HuncoatClaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by HuncoatClaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:55 pm

Rocky didn't know me, but I certainly knew him. I remember him back in the 80/90's when he always wore a sheepskin coat on the cold days, and led the chanting of sack the board after another defeat in the dark days.
RIP Rocky, you'll never be forgotten on the Turf.

Vintage Claret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Vintage Claret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:58 pm

Didn't know him as such but we did talk Burnley a few times in the pub or when we were on the same away coach.

Ricky was certainly a character but I always found him 'reet enough' as we say round these parts.

RIP and condolences to his family and friends.

Middle-agedClaret
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Re: Rocky RIP

Post by Middle-agedClaret » Thu Jun 30, 2022 6:03 pm

Some very warm words and fine memories on here.
Like many others, I did not “know” Rocky - but I recognised and was conscious of the loud, lively, exuberant and impassioned fellow Claret whom I saw, and heard, at many grounds.
He wore his heart on his Claret sleeve.
RIP Rocky.

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