Don Rossiter

Donald Rossiter (8 June 1935 – 18 February 2016) was an English professional association football player turned politician. During his footballing career he made two appearances in The Football League and gained a winner's medal in the FA Amateur Cup. He later became active in local politics and served as Mayor of Rochester, Kent.

Football career Born in Strood, Rossiter represented Kent at football and played local youth football before being spotted by Arsenal and signed up at the age of 15. The club loaned him to amateur club Walthamstow Avenue of the Isthmian League for the 1951–52 season. Still aged just 17, he gained an FA Amateur Cup-winner's medal as Avenue defeated Leyton at Wembley Stadium. Upon his return to Arsenal in June 1952 he turned professional, but failed to make a single appearance in the first team for the "Gunners". Chatham Town and Tunbridge Wells before retiring.

Post-football career After leaving football, Rossiter became involved in local politics in the Medway towns. He was elected to the Medway District Council and spent a year as Mayor of Rochester between 1985 and 1986.