AT THE AGE of 37, Rory Delap has called time on his professional career.
The midfielder, who came through the ranks at Carlisle United before going on to represent seven clubs over a 21-year period, has struggled with injuries since joining Burton Albion in the summer and today announced his retirement.
“His attitude and work ethic have been a credit to himself and the invaluable knowledge and experience that he has passed onto the rest of the players here at Burton Albion has been priceless.
He has had a fantastic career and we are honoured here at Burton that he has finished his career with us.”
A hard-working player, Delap became renowned for his long-throw ability while playing for Stoke City as manager Tony Pulis used it as a considerably effective gameplan – especially during the 2008/09 season.
Born in England, Delap was eligible to play for Ireland and made his senior international debut against the Czech Republic in 1998. However, he never managed to establish himself as a regular in the Ireland squad and earned a total of 11 senior caps.
Delap on his Ireland debut. Credit: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan
Check out this tribute video to those missile-like throws:
I remember Stoke playing Chelsea a few years back (probably that 08/09 season mentioned), either Terry or Cole deliberately put the ball out for a corner rather than a throw when under pressure. They were far from the only team to do it, but it’s the one that sticks out.
Could never figure out why Trap didn’t give the Stoke tactic a go. Especially at the end of games, chasing a goal. Spring him from the bench and crowd the box with the big lads. Not pretty, but not much was under Trap.
Gareth Southgate plus 60 odd England caps not bad for a player very easily forgotten. Over 100 games for three clubs is like 9 league season without missing a game.
There’s a great clip on YouTube with one of his team mates commending rory on his powerful weapon before he and the interviewer collapse into the giggles
Classic granny rule. Why did we always get the weird ones. A man with freakishly powerful throw of a football, another who sang the wrong national anthem and a certain Forrest player who’s name sounds like a penis
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Was funny to hear Wenger giving out about the unfair advantage a few years back.
I remember Stoke playing Chelsea a few years back (probably that 08/09 season mentioned), either Terry or Cole deliberately put the ball out for a corner rather than a throw when under pressure. They were far from the only team to do it, but it’s the one that sticks out.
Could never figure out why Trap didn’t give the Stoke tactic a go. Especially at the end of games, chasing a goal. Spring him from the bench and crowd the box with the big lads. Not pretty, but not much was under Trap.
I remember Vidic doing the exact same thing a few years back (Van Der Sar was in goal at the time)
The only outfield footballer in history that was more effective with his hands than his feet. A unique talent.
Hi Johnny!
Hi Jonnys!
Is he going to do a Delap of honour??
I didn’t realised the force he threw the ball at .
Check out his scissor kick from way back when
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9bBzQ3E1QM
One of the greatest goals rhat got absolutley no attention!
In fairness he was one of only three players in premier league history to make more than 100 appearances for three clubs. Can you name the other 2?
Southampton was one, was Derby the other?
Yea but now name the two other players
Gary speed is one !! Is anelka the other ??
No
Scott Parker & Bellamy
Sorry mate you were right with gary speed and wrong with anelka snd other 2
Ya may tell me lad I’m snookered !!
Ya may tell us!
Gareth Southgate plus 60 odd England caps not bad for a player very easily forgotten. Over 100 games for three clubs is like 9 league season without missing a game.
Southgate only made 75 in prem for palace !! The were in division 1for 93/94 season !! It’s only speed and delap
Fair play to south gate all same !! And yea i googled lol !!
Interesting. Thanks lads.
Never realised just how powerful a weapon his throw in was. Better than most corners.
There’s a great clip on YouTube with one of his team mates commending rory on his powerful weapon before he and the interviewer collapse into the giggles
Best of luck to him. His versatility cost him in the Irish setup. He couldn’t nail down a position for himself.
He was muck
Better player than a number of chancres who got more games for Ireland. Definitely should have got far more than 11 games.
Decided to throw his bollox at it.
What a goal
Best of luck Rory
Classic granny rule. Why did we always get the weird ones. A man with freakishly powerful throw of a football, another who sang the wrong national anthem and a certain Forrest player who’s name sounds like a penis
Er. What Forest player is that again?
Simon Cox
Granny rule me Ballacks! His parents are from Donegal!
Fair play with that throw alone some pretty average lumps of strikers managed premier league careers with goals purely from just knock-ons
No googling a proper footy fan knows his stuff
*Or her stuff
the best part of his throw ins were their unpredictable nature…you never knew whether they were going to inswinging or outswinging.