Rory Delap

He was one of several promising players who came through the ranks at Brunton Park during the mid-1990s, alongside Matt Jansen, Scott Dobie and Lee Peacock. In 1997, he was part of the side which gained promotion to Division Two and defeated Colchester United on penalties to win the Football League Trophy at Wembley Stadium.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-happy-ending-for-carlisle-1268389.html|title=Football: Happy ending for Carlisle|access-date=9 February 2013|work=The Independent|date=21 April 1997}}

Delap was signed by Derby County manager Jim Smith for £200,000 in February 1998, and went on to make 13 appearances during the remainder of the 1997–98 season.{{cite web | url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/derby-county/tab/players/season/1998 | title=All Derby County football club players: 1998 | work=11 v 11|access-date=7 February 2013}} Despite failing to score a league goal during the 1998–99 season, he did manage to find the net in a second round League Cup tie with Manchester City. During the 1999–00 season he was Derby's top scorer with eight goals. His first goal of the campaign came during a 2–1 defeat to Arsenal.{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/416921.stm | title=Petit the pride of Arsenal | work=BBC News|date=11 August 1999|access-date=5 February 2013}} After scoring his second goal of the season in a 2–0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday,{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/aug/26/match.sport4 | work=The Guardian | author = Daniel Taylor|title=Delap drives Wednesday further into the gloom | date=26 August 1999| access-date=24 September 2014 }} his third came during a 3–3 stalemate with his future club Southampton. A 3–1 home victory over Chelsea saw Delap score two goals and increase his tally to five, while it was just two games later when he scored against eventual champions Manchester United in a 2–1 loss at Pride Park.{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/529760.stm | title=Butt back with a bang | work=BBC News|date=20 November 1999|access-date=5 February 2013}} Later that season, Delap scored and assisted a goal in a 3–0 win over Leicester City – a game in which Stan Collymore broke his leg.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/698770.stm | work=BBC News | title=Collymore breaks leg as Derby win | date=2 April 2000 | access-date=22 May 2010}} His eighth and final goal of the campaign came after just 22 seconds of a 4–4 draw with Bradford City, although he was later sent off for conceding one of four penalties.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/721985.stm | work=BBC News | title=Bradford in eight-goal thriller | date=21 April 2000 | access-date=7 February 2013 }} During the 2000–01 season, Delap once again scored against both Leicester and Bradford. He scored his final goal for Derby in a 1–0 victory over Ipswich Town on 2 December 2000, which brought his total league tally to 11.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/dec/03/match.sport1| work=The Guardian | title=Delap defies the form book | date=3 December 2000 | access-date=7 February 2013 }}

On 10 July 2001, Southampton signed Delap for a fee of £4 million. In the process he not only became Stuart Gray's first signing since replacing Glenn Hoddle as manager, but also Southampton's record transfer – a tag he held onto for almost 11 years, before they signed Jay Rodriguez from Burnley for £7 million on 10 June 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18372855|title= Jay Rodriguez completes Southampton move from Burnley |access-date=7 February 2013 |work=BBC News|date= 8 June 2012 }} Prior to Delap's arrival, his former club Carlisle received £700,000 from the deal. Delap's first goal for Southampton came during a 3–1 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on 2 March 2002.{{cite web |url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/ipswich-town-v-southampton-02-march-2002-11499/|title= Ipswich Town v Southampton, 02 March 2002|access-date=8 February 2013 |work=11v11}} It was later that month when he scored his first goal at St Mary's in a 1–1 draw with Fulham.{{cite web |url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/southampton-v-fulham-30-march-2002-11951/|title= Southampton v Fulham, 30 March 2002|access-date=8 February 2013 |work=11v11}}

Although Delap failed to score during the 2002–03 campaign, he made a total of 30 appearances in all competitions and helped Southampton reach the 2003 FA Cup Final, despite missing the game due to an ankle injury.{{cite web |url=http://www.eatsleepsport.com/stoke-city/delap-on-an-fa-cup-mission-1197240.html#.URSNYx2siSp|title= Delap on an FA Cup mission|access-date=8 February 2013 |work=Eat Sleep Sport}} Although they narrowly lost to Arsenal after Robert Pires scored the only goal of the game, the Gunners had already qualified for the Champions League after finishing second in the Premier League, therefore Southampton qualified for the UEFA Cup. Their UEFA Cup campaign was short-lived, after a 1–1 draw with Steaua București at St. Mary's was followed by a 1–0 away defeat on 15 October 2003.{{cite web|title=Steaua stun Saints: Steaua 1–0 Southampton (Steaua win 2–1 on aggregate)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3190032.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=8 February 2013|date=15 October 2003}} Delap played in both legs.

Delap's third goal for Southampton and arguably the best of his career, was a spectacular bicycle kick in a 1–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on 27 March 2004. The 64th-minute strike ended a near two-year goal drought.{{cite web|title=Delap's bicycle kick punctures Spurs|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/delaps-bicycle-kick-punctures-spurs-6171809.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420213648/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/delaps-bicycle-kick-punctures-spurs-6171809.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 April 2013|work=The Independent|access-date=8 February 2013|date=28 March 2004}} Seven months later he scored two headers in a 2–2 draw with Arsenal at Highbury. Both goals came in the last ten minutes of the game, and would have secured three points for Southampton had it not been for Robin van Persie's last-minute equaliser, which maintained Arsenal's position at the top of the Premier League.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3947349.stm|title=Arsenal 2–2 Southampton|date=30 October 2004 |access-date=9 February 2013|work=BBC News}}

From Southampton, Delap was signed by Mick McCarthy for Sunderland in the 2005–06 season. He made six appearances for the club that season before injury struck. On 8 April 2006, under caretaker manager Kevin Ball,{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2006/0407/sunderland.html|title=Sunderland v Fulham team news|date=7 April 2006|access-date=2 November 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} he clashed heads with teammate George McCartney during his side's league game with Fulham, a game that was subsequently abandoned.{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2006/0408/sunderland.html|title=Sunderland saved by bad weather|date=8 April 2006|access-date=2 November 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} In doing so, he broke his nose and underwent an operation to adjust it correctly after being selected to play at Manchester United only to withdraw after suffering a nose bleed during the warm-up.{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2006/0419/delapr.html|title=Broken nose could spell the end of Delap's season|date=19 April 2006|access-date=2 November 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} Thus he was ruled out for the remainder of the season and Manchester United relegated Sunderland, and ended their own title hopes, with a 0–0 draw.{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2006/0414/manchesteru.html|title=Black Cats relegated after Old Trafford draw|date=14 April 2006|access-date=2 November 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} He scored once in the league during his spell at Sunderland, a crucial equaliser in a 2–2 draw with Everton on 1 April 2006.{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4842426.stm|title=Everton 2–2 Sunderland|publisher=BBC|date=1 April 2006 |access-date=24 October 2009}}

File:Rory Delap.jpg

Having become a marginal figure when Roy Keane took over as manager of Sunderland, Delap was loaned to Stoke City in October 2006.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/6038576.stm|title= Stoke sign Sunderland man on loan|access-date=2 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport|date=11 October 2006}} He made his debut in the 4–0 thumping of Leeds United at Elland Road. A week after signing on loan, Delap made his home debut for Stoke against his parent club Sunderland on 17 October 2006. However, after a challenge from Robbie Elliott, he sustained fractures to his tibia and fibula early in the game, resulting in a broken leg.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6050698.stm|title= Stoke 2–1 Sunderland |access-date=2 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 October 2006}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/6061668.stm|title= Pulis rocked by Delap leg break|access-date=2 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2006}} Although the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2006–07 season, Stoke manager Tony Pulis signed Delap on a permanent basis on 9 January 2007.{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/6065996.stm|title=Keane says Stoke still want Delap|work=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2006|access-date=16 July 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2007/0109/delapr.html|title=Delap seals Stoke deal |date=9 January 2007|access-date=2 November 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}

On 15 July 2007, Delap made his comeback in a pre-season friendly with Newcastle Town. On 15 September 2007, Delap scored his first goal for Stoke in a 1–1 draw with Hull.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6985002.stm|title= Hull 1–1 Stoke |access-date=24 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport |date=15 September 2007}} On 22 September 2007, Richard Cresswell scored from Delap's throw in a 3–1 win over Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7110837.stm|title= Stoke 3–1 QPR|access-date=24 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2007}} On 1 January 2008, in a second 1–1 draw with Hull, Delap assisted Leon Cort with another long throw.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7163904.stm|title=Stoke 1–1 Hull|access-date=24 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2007}} On 9 February 2008, Delap scored his second goal of the season in a 4–2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7223919.stm|title=Wolverhampton 2–4 Stoke|access-date=24 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 February 2008}} Delap made a total of 46 appearances in the league, as Stoke finished 2nd and were promoted to the Premier League on the final day of the season. They had been away from the top-flight for 23 years.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7368631.stm|title=Stoke 0–0 Leicester|access-date=24 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 May 2008}}

The potency of the "Delap Special" reached new heights as Stoke City began their debut Premier League season. Of their first 13 goals, seven were credited as Delap assists.{{cite web|title=Lee Dixon's tactical view|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7705772.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=11 December 2015|date=3 November 2008}} Stoke's first Premiership goal from a Delap throw was Mamady Sidibe's injury-time winner against Aston Villa on 23 August 2008. His throws continued to cause further problems for Stoke's opposition throughout the season, and would have earned the Potters a point against Everton on 14 September, had it not been for Tim Cahill's 77th-minute header. The game finished 2–3, with both Stoke goals coming from Delap throws.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7601906.stm|title=Stoke 2–3 Everton|work=BBC Sport|date=14 September 2008|access-date=9 February 2013}} Tony Pulis suggested his absence was a crucial factor in Stoke's 2–0 defeat to Chelsea on 27 September.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7640290.stm|title=Missing pair affected us – Pulis|work=BBC Sport|date=28 September 2008|access-date=2 November 2008}} He returned the following week to face Portsmouth, and despite helping to create Ricardo Fuller's goal from a throw-in, Stoke lost the game 2–1.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7639495.stm|title=Portsmouth 2–3 Stoke|work=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2008|access-date=9 February 2013}} It was just one game later when Delap scored his first goal of the season and only his third in a Stoke shirt. He met Sidibe's cross at the far post to give his side an important 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7665101.stm|title=Stoke 2–1 Tottenham|work=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2008|access-date=9 February 2013}} Delap was sent off in Stoke's 1–0 win over Manchester City for fouling and kicking out at Shaun Wright-Phillips.{{cite web|url=http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~45456,00.html|title=Delap sees red}}

Delap's throw-ins quickly caused problems at the beginning of the 2009–10 season. In Stoke's opening game against newly promoted Burnley, Delap's throw-in forced an own goal from Stephen Jordan in a 2–0 win.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8199037.stm | work=BBC Sport| title=Stoke 2–0 Burnley | date=15 August 2009 | access-date=24 September 2014 | author = Peter Scrivener}} On 31 October 2009, Delap's throw-in created another goal for Stoke. Although Christophe Berra of Wolverhampton Wanderers attempted to clear the ball, it fell to Matthew Etherington, who volleyed it into the top corner.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8329896.stm | work=BBC Sport| title=Stoke 2–2 Wolverhampton | date=31 October 2009 | access-date=24 September 2014 | author= Peter Scrivener}} Delap then gave away two penalties within three games, against both Portsmouth and Arsenal. Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane was struck in the head by Delap's boot,{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8364560.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Stoke 1–0 Portsmouth | date=22 November 2009 | access-date=22 May 2010 | author =Mandeep Sanghera}} while Andrei Arshavin was tripped up by Delap's leg.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8393258.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Arsenal 2–0 Stoke| date=5 December 2009 | access-date=22 May 2010 | author =Ian Hughes}} Both penalties were saved by Thomas Sørensen.

File:Rory Delap vs Arsenal.jpg

Delap proved crucial in Stoke's 2009–10 FA Cup campaign. His throw-ins created two goals in a third-round win over York City, helping Stoke come from behind within just two minutes. Daniel Parslow headed the first into his own net, before Ricardo Fuller put Stoke ahead after York failed to clear the second.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8434035.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Stoke 3–1 York | date=2 January 2010 | access-date=22 February 2013}} Just 70 seconds into their fourth-round tie with Arsenal, Fuller gave Stoke the lead from Delap's swirling throw-in. Stoke won the game 3–1.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8468706.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Stoke 3–1 Arsenal| date=24 January 2010 | access-date=22 February 2013}} In their fifth-round tie against Manchester City, Fuller converted yet another Delap throw-in to cancel out an early goal from Shaun Wright-Phillips. Several pundits drew comparisons to Fuller's goal against Arsenal in the previous round. A replay was required after the game finished 1–1.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8506600.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Man City 1–1 Stoke| date=13 February 2010 | access-date=22 February 2013}} The replay finished 1–1 over 90 minutes, meaning extra-time was required. Just five minutes into extra-time, Ryan Shawcross beat Shay Given to the ball and headed in from Delap's throw-in. Tuncay later added to the scoring, ensuring Stoke made it to the quarter-finals.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8528812.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Stoke 3–1 Man City| date=24 February 2010 | access-date=22 February 2013}} Stoke were defeated 2–0 by holders Chelsea in the quarter-finals.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8549612.stm|title=Chelsea 2–0 Stoke|access-date=26 June 2010 |work=BBC Sport| date=7 March 2010}}

Delap in-directly assisted two more goals from throw-ins during the remainder of Stoke's league campaign. Danny Pugh scored in a 3–1 defeat to Arsenal on 27 February 2010,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8530490.stm|title=Stoke 1–3 Arsenal|access-date=25 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport| date=27 February 2010|author=Sam Sheringham}} while Tuncay scored a header in a 1–1 draw with Burnley on 10 March 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8555730.stm|title=Burnley 1–1 Stoke|access-date=25 September 2014 |work=BBC Sport| date=10 March 2010|author=Marc Vesty}} Stoke finished the season in 11th place with 47 points, one place and two points higher than the previous season.

On 13 September 2010, Delap made his 300th Premier League appearance against Aston Villa, becoming the 82nd player to reach the landmark.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-yts-player-reaches-300-game-premier-league-milestone-1.758081?referrerPath=/1.49997 |title=Delap reaches 300 Premier League milestone |access-date=15 September 2010 |work=Carlisle News & Star |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004092100/http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-yts-player-reaches-300-game-premier-league-milestone-1.758081?referrerPath=%2F1.49997 |archive-date=4 October 2012 }} On 16 October 2010, Delap ended a 21-month goal drought against Bolton Wanderers. Although his goal was the equaliser, Stoke lost 2–1 during injury-time, with Ivan Klasnić's winner ironically occurring from a long throw-in. Just a few minutes after Klasnić's goal, he received two yellow cards in quick succession, with the second coming after catching Delap in the face while challenging for a header.{{cite web|title=Bolton 2–1 Stoke|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9089722.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=16 October 2010|access-date=24 September 2014|author=Phil Dawkes}} He scored another rare goal against West Bromwich Albion in February 2011.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9411426.stm|title= Stoke's Rory Delap unhappy to surrender West Brom lead |access-date=2 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 March 2011}}

While Delap's throw-ins were becoming much less effective in the Premier League, they were decisive throughout Stoke's 2010–11 FA Cup campaign. They created goals against Brighton & Hove Albion,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9401077.stm|title= Stoke 3–0 Brighton|access-date=19 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport|date=19 February 2011}} West Ham{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9421244.stm|title= Stoke 2–1 West Ham|access-date=19 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport|date=13 March 2011}} and Bolton Wanderers, helping Stoke reach their first ever FA Cup Final. Stoke lost 1–0 to Manchester City in the final, but as City had already qualified for the Champions League through the league, Stoke qualified for the Europa League.{{cite web|title=Stoke 0–1 Man City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13346941|work=BBC Sport|date=10 May 2011 |access-date=28 January 2013}}

In April 2011, Delap signed a one-year extension to his contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/city/stokecitynews/Stoke-City-Prize-guy-Rory-sign/article-3453266-detail/article.html|title=Prize guy Rory Delap to sign on again|access-date=15 April 2011 |work=thisisstaffordshire.co.uk}} After turning 35, Delap stated that he had no plans for retirement.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9530892.stm|title= Stoke veteran Rory Delap has no thoughts of retirement|access-date=22 September 2011 |work=BBC Sport|date=5 July 2011}}

Delap's throw-ins only created one goal during the 2011–12 season, but he did manage to find the back of the net on two occasions. Both goals were headers and came in home wins over Fulham{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/15226162.stm|title=Stoke 2–0 Fulham|access-date=1 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|author=Owen Phillips|date=15 October 2011}} and Blackburn.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/15802811.stm|title=Stoke 3–1 Blackburn|access-date=1 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|author=Sam Lyon|date=26 November 2011}} On 19 February 2012, in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Crawley Town, Delap received a straight red card for a sliding tackle on David Hunt. Despite the sending off, Stoke went on to win the game 2–0.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/17001823|title=Crawley Town 0–1 Stoke|access-date=1 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|author=Jefferson Lake|date=19 February 2012}} Stoke later appealed against the decision and Delap's three-match ban was overturned.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/21/stoke-city-rory-delap-red-card|title=Stoke City's Rory Delap wins appeal over red card at Crawley Town|access-date=1 October 2014|work=The Guardian|date=21 February 2012}} Delap made a total of 36 appearances in all competitions, six of which came in Stoke's historic Europa League campaign, which saw them reach the round of 32 before being knocked out by Spanish side Valencia. On 1 May 2012, Delap was rewarded with another one-year extension to his contract, which would see him extend his stay at Stoke until the end of the 2012–13 season.

Delap found himself out of favour during the 2012–13 season, making just one appearance away at Reading on the opening day of the season.{{cite web|title=Charlie Adam will return when he's ready, says Tony Pulis|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Charlie-Adam-return-s-ready-says-Tony/story-17647297-detail/story.html#axzz2K79sYgDp|work=The Sentinel|access-date=7 February 2013}}

On 31 January 2013, Delap joined Barnsley on loan until the end of the season.{{cite web|title=Barnsley sign Rory Delap and Chris O'Grady as Mido leaves|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21280588|work=BBC Sport|date=31 January 2013|access-date=24 February 2013}} Soon after his move to Oakwell, he expressed his desire to make the move permanent in order to continue his playing career.{{cite web|title=Rory Delap hopes for permanent Barnsley transfer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21336572|work=BBC Sport|date=5 February 2013|access-date=7 February 2013}} Following his debut in a 2–1 win over Blackpool,{{cite web|title=Blackpool 1–2 Barnsley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21209318|work=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2013|access-date=24 February 2013}} his throw-in quickly caused problems as it created Scott Golbourne's equaliser in a 3–2 victory over Middlesbrough.{{cite web|title=Full Time From The Riverside|url=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/full-time-from-the-riverside-09022013-646315.aspx|work=Barnsley F.C|date=9 February 2013|access-date=24 February 2013}} He then assisted Chris Dagnall's header in his third league appearance against Wolves,{{cite web|title=Barnsley 2–1 Wolves|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21448865|work=BBC Sport|date=19 February 2013|access-date=24 February 2013}} before his throw created Tomasz Cywka's goal in a 5–3 defeat to Bristol City.{{cite web|title=FT: Bristol City v Reds|url=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/ft-bristol-city-v-reds-23022013-673613.aspx|work=Barnsley F.C|date=23 February 2013|access-date=24 February 2013}}

He left Stoke at the end of the season, bringing to an end a seven-year spell at the club.{{cite web|title=Rory Delap says it is tough leaving Stoke after seven years|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11701/8729268|work=Sky Sports|access-date=23 May 2013}}

After leaving Stoke, Delap spent time on trial with League Two side Burton Albion in an attempt to earn a contract.{{cite web|title=Rory Delap: Burton Albion take veteran midfielder on trial|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23256518|work=BBC Sport|date=10 July 2013|access-date=23 July 2013}} He signed a one-year contract with the Brewers on 18 July 2013.{{cite web|title=Delap signs one-year Burton contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23354640|work=BBC Sport|date=18 July 2013 |access-date=23 July 2013}} His third appearance and first as a contracted Burton player was a friendly against Stoke. Burton lost the game 2–0, as Delap played 55 minutes at right-back.{{cite web|title=REPORT: Stoke City 2, Burton Albion 0|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Sport/Burton-Albion-FC/REPORT-Stoke-City-2-Burton-Albion-0-20130722112707.htm|first=David |last=Broome|work=Burton Mail|date=22 July 2013|access-date=23 July 2013}}{{cite web|title=Brewers Beaten|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/burton-report-934705.aspx|work=Stoke City F.C.|date=22 July 2013|access-date=23 July 2013}} He played seven matches for Burton scoring once in a 2–2 draw against Cheltenham Town on 3 August 2013.{{cite web|title=Cheltenham 2–2 Burton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23474828|work=BBC Sport|date=2 August 2013 |access-date=16 December 2013}} On 16 December 2013 Delap announced his retirement from football.{{cite web|title=Delap retires|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20131216-delap-1239404.aspx|work=Burton Albion F.C|access-date=16 December 2013}}{{cite web|title=Rory Delap: Veteran Burton midfielder announces retirement|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25404610?|work=BBC Sport|date=16 December 2013 |access-date=16 December 2013}}

A former Republic of Ireland under-21 international, Delap won 11 caps for the national team between 1998 and 2004. He was not included in the Irish squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where the nation reached the final sixteen of the tournament. His international career was marked by a number of withdrawals, the last of which was with a twisted knee on 25 April 2004 before a midweek friendly with Poland.{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2004/0425/repofireland.html|title=Kilbane and Delap pull out of squad|date=25 April 2004|access-date=2 November 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}

After retiring from playing he began working as a coach at Derby County's academy.{{cite news|url=http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-bring-Chris-Riggott-Rory-Delap/story-20794103-detail/story.html|title=Derby County bring in Chris Riggott, Rory Delap as academy coaches|access-date=12 March 2014|work=Derby Telegraph|first=Steve|last=Nicholson|date=15 March 2014|archive-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315083241/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-bring-Chris-Riggott-Rory-Delap/story-20794103-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/soccer-am/news/9190780/rory-delap-former-stoke-man-talks-about-the-origins-of-his-long-throw|title=Rory Delap: Former Stoke man talks about the origins of his long throw|access-date=15 March 2014|work=Sky Sports|date=15 March 2014}} In June 2015 he was appointed coach of Derby's under-18 side.{{cite web|first=C.|last=Watson|title=New roles for Darren Wassall and Rory Delap as part of Academy reshuffle at Rams|url=http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-New-roles-Darren-Wassall-Rory-Delap/story-26797505-detail/story.html|website=Derby Telegraph|date=29 June 2015|access-date=11 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731171231/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-New-roles-Darren-Wassall-Rory-Delap/story-26797505-detail/story.html|archive-date=31 July 2015}} On 10 February 2016, he was promoted to coach of the under-21 team.{{cite web|title=First Team Coaching Staff Confirmed|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/first-team-coaching-staff-confirmed-2948227.aspx|publisher=Derby County FC|access-date=12 March 2016|date=10 February 2016}}

Delap returned to Stoke in June 2018 as first-team coach to Gary Rowett.{{cite web |title=Gary on his backroom team |url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/coaching-team-check-in |website=Stoke City |access-date=26 June 2018}} Delap took caretaker charge of Stoke on 1 November 2019 following the sacking of Nathan Jones.{{cite web |title=Nathan Jones: Stoke City sack manager with Potters second bottom of the Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49428903 |website=BBC Sport |date=November 2019 |access-date=1 November 2019}} His one game in charge was a 2–0 home loss to West Bromwich Albion four days later,{{cite news |last1=Watson |first1=Chris |title='Heart-breaking' – Stoke stand-in boss had this to say about West Brom defeat |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-west-brom-delap-verdict-17203583 |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=5 November 2019}} and Michael O'Neill was appointed on 9 November.{{cite news |title=Barnsley 0–2 Stoke City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50271667 |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 November 2019}} Delap left his role at Stoke in January 2023.{{cite web |title=Delap leaves coaching role |url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2023/january/09/delap-leaves-coaching-role/ |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=9 January 2023 |access-date=9 January 2023}}

In June 2023, Delap was appointed assistant under head coach Robbie Keane at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.{{cite web |title=Delap joins Maccabi Tel Aviv |date=28 June 2023 |url=https://www.maccabi-tlv.co.il/en/2023/06/delap-liddell-and-hudson-join-keanes-coaching-staff/}} Delap and his former international teammate Keane were evacuated to Greece during the Gaza war, while their team led the table with four wins and a draw.{{cite news |last1=Fordham |first1=Josh |title=Robbie Keane and Rory Delap forced to flee Israel after hours in panic room |url=https://talksport.com/football/1593263/robbie-keane-rory-delap-israel/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=Talksport |date=8 October 2023}} After helping the club to win the league and Toto Cup, Delap along with Keane departed the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/0607/1453510-keane-leaves-role-as-maccabi-tel-aviv-manager/#:~:text=Keane%2C%20along%20with%20his%20assistant,leave%20Maccabi%20Tel%20Aviv%20FC. |title=Robbie Keane leaves Maccabi Tel Aviv post after landing league title |work=RTE |date=7 June 2024 |accessdate=7 June 2024 }}

File:Rory Delap free throw.jpg

Delap, a former schoolboy javelin champion,[https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/11/03/arsenal-nemesis-rory-delap-gives-stoke-more-than-just-long-throws-115875-20865412/ Arsenal nemesis Rory Delap gives Stoke more than just long throws]The Mirror. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2008. is renowned for having had one of the longest and most feared throw-ins in football; his throws, noted by Martin O'Neill as equivalent to "a corner or a free kick", often ranged {{convert|30|-|40|m}} (averaging {{convert|38|m|abbr=on}}), and could reach the speed of {{convert|60|km/h|abbr=on}}. They served as an assist in more than one case before 2008. Numerous experts, including his former manager Tony Pulis, commented on the technique Delap employed, the length and flatness undoing many a defence. "It causes so many problems (amongst the opposition defence). I think it's because they're so flat. They're not lofted into the air, he throws it pretty flat and it's very difficult for defenders to pick up the flight."Sunday World. p.115. 2 November 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2008.

Fellow professionals similarly renowned for long throw-ins, such as Mario Melchiot, formerly of Wigan Athletic, and Lee Dixon, formerly of Arsenal, also spoke of their admiration for Delap. Melchiot described Delap's ability as "one hell of a throw-in" and a "great weapon", having already set Delap out for unique praise in stating that he did not think there was "anyone in the league that can throw like him".[http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/4449670/melchiot-hails-delap-throw Melchiot hails Delap throw]. Sky Sports. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2008.

To increase the momentum of the throw, Delap took four steps from the advertising boards around the pitch, followed by one long stride. In doing this he planted his front foot solidly on the ground propelling all momentum forward, thus increasing the speed with which the ball was released. Delap said he did not work on building his upper body strength and physique, although he used his shoulders and lower back muscles to give power to his throw. For the ball to reach his target faster, Delap threw it on a flat trajectory releasing in such a way as to cause large amounts of backspin. This helped to counter gravity so the ball travelled on a more level elevation even though it was released at such a low angle. He tended to target two players within 6ft of each other. His throw-ins are reputed as more accurate than most corners being that more muscles are used to control the direction in which the ball travels.[http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2008/09/18/sport.football.throwin.pdf Football Throw-in Analysis]. The Guardian. 18 September 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2008.

{{Quote box|quote =I have never seen anyone with a throw-in like Delap's and I believe his missiles have created seven out of Stoke's 13 league goals this season. I had a long throw and used to practice them, but I could only just about get it in the box. My team-mate Perry Groves could throw it a long way and we have seen the likes of Dave Challinor and Andy Legg do it – but nothing like Delap. Most long throws tend to be a bit loopy, whereas Delap's are fired in like a free-kick – but even more dangerous.|quoted=yes|align=right|width=40%|source=Former England, Stoke City and Arsenal defender Lee Dixon, speaking in 2008.}}

Factors, according to Dixon's analysis, which further enhanced the dangerous nature of Delap's throw-ins were the fact that "you cannot be offside from a throw-in, so the attackers can crowd the six-yard box" and "because a free-kick starts with the ball on the ground it means it has to have a natural arc in order to get up and over the first defender", whereas "from a throw-in the ball starts from six-feet and it is the angle and trajectory of Delap's darts that make them so potent".

In the 2008–09 Premier League season Delap's throw-ins led directly to both goals scored in at least two matches. Both Stoke goals in the 3–2 loss to Everton on 14 September 2008 came about as a result of Delap's throw. Afterwards Everton manager David Moyes referred to Delap as the "Human Sling".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/nov/23/1|title=Sport awards 2008: OSM celebrates Rory Delap, 'the human sling'|first=Tom|last=Lamont|date=23 November 2008|work=The Guardian}} Later, Delap used his ability to help score Stoke's goals in the 2–1 victory over Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium on 1 November 2008. The first of these travelled 45 metres from the sideline into the penalty area.

The then Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari described the technique as "fantastic" and suggested the goalkeeper ought not to attempt claiming the ball in this situation. "I think he puts the ball better with his hands than his foot, it's fantastic. I have never seen anything like this in my life; 10 metres outside midfield, this boy puts the ball inside the area. Maybe it's not beautiful football but it's effective."[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/sep/27/stokecity.chelsea Scolari eyes Drogba to throw off Delap's missile range and stoke Chelsea's fire] The Guardian. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2008.

Some teams developed techniques to try and put Delap's long throws off. Notable examples include against Hull City on 29 November 2008, goalkeeper Boaz Myhill kicking the ball out beyond the byline for a corner kick instead of out into touch when under pressure; unused Hull substitute Dean Windass received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour after warming up too close to Delap when preparing to take a throw-in.{{cite news|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/Stoke-1-1-Hull-Tigers-anti-Delap-tactics-bring-towels-of-derision-article34370.html|title=Stoke 1–1 Hull: Tigers anti Delap tactics bring towels of derision|date=1 December 2008|access-date=9 August 2010 |newspaper=Daily Mirror }} On 27 March 2010, West Ham United erected an extra set of advertising boards considerably close to the touchline to hamper Delap's run-up, but he was still capable of reaching the penalty box in spite of the limited space. These boards backfired when West Ham lost possession from a Julien Faubert throw-in, which led to Ricardo Fuller scoring the only goal of the game in Stoke's favour.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/7530926/West-Hams-sneakily-placed-adverts-still-fail-to-scupper-Stoke-and-Rory-Delap.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331173154/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/7530926/West-Hams-sneakily-placed-adverts-still-fail-to-scupper-Stoke-and-Rory-Delap.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 March 2010|title=West Ham's sneakily-placed adverts still fail to scupper Stoke and Rory Delap|date=27 March 2010|access-date=9 August 2010 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | first1=Simon | last1=Briggs}} Burnley also tried a similar tactic; however, the match finished 1–1 with Stoke's goal coming from a Delap throw.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/8561422.stm|title=Cunning Clarets thwarted by Delap|access-date=4 June 2011 |work=BBC Sport|date=11 March 2010}}

Delap served as the inspiration for Danny Brooks – a P.E. teacher from West Yorkshire who broke the world record for the longest football throw-in. He performed a flip throw to gain extra momentum and lifted the record to {{convert|49.78|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bradford/8468955.stm | work=BBC News | title=Teacher smashes throw-in record | date=19 January 2010 | access-date=22 May 2010}} The record was once again broken on 18 June 2010 by Thomas Grønnemark of Denmark, who threw the ball {{convert|51.33|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite news| url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/longest-throw-in-(football)/ | work=Guinness World Records | title=Longest throw-in (Football)| access-date=8 February 2013}} Subsequently, American flip thrower Michael Lewis set a new Guinness World Record when he recorded a throw-in of 59.817 m (65.417 yd) in Frisco, Texas in April 2019.[74][75]

{{Quote box| quote =Footballers are always involved in charity work or more widely in community work. Stoke City Football Club have a partnership with the Donna Louise Trust and one Christmas I went with some of the other players and it was like being hit by a sledge hammer. The charity provides end of life care for children and I came out in tears. I have children myself and it just hit home what these children and their parents were facing. It's not just about having children yourself though – the players who didn't have kids were also deeply moved by it. So I've become a patron of the charity and got involved in fund-raising.|quoted=yes|align=right|width=40%|source=Delap, speaking on his work with the Donna Louise Trust.

{{cite news|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Rory-Delap-just-long-throw/story-21515405-detail/story.html|title=Rory Delap: More than just a long throw|work=Burton Mail|date=10 November 2014|access-date=25 September 2014}}}}

Although Delap was born in Sutton Coldfield to Irish parents, his family moved to Carlisle when he was just six months old. He therefore supported Carlisle United and attended matches at Brunton Park with his father.Stoke City Official Matchday Magazine 14 August 2011 v Chelsea Rory's father is John Delap from Letterkenny and his mother Maura Delap from Kells.[http://www.tribune.ie/article/2008/nov/02/ciaran-cronin-backstage-throw-of-the-dice/?q=Letterkenny Ciaran Cronin, Backstage – Throw of the dice], Sunday Tribune, 2 November 2008 His uncle is Paddy Delap, a Letterkenny businessman, golfer,

{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/local/golf_balls_set_to_rain_in_letterkenny_1_1992228 |title=Golf balls set to rain in Letterkenny! |publisher=donegaldemocrat.ie |access-date=14 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311094656/http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/local/golf_balls_set_to_rain_in_letterkenny_1_1992228 |archive-date=11 March 2012 }} and athletics coach who runs Clarke's Newsagent's and organises an annual charity cycling event in aid of cancer noted for launching the career of former Cervélo TestTeam member Philip Deignan.{{cite news|url=http://www.cancer.ie/news/upcomingDetails.php?ID=132 |title=Irish cancer society |publisher=cancer.ie |access-date=14 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721123318/http://www.cancer.ie/news/upcomingDetails.php?ID=132 |archive-date=21 July 2011 }} Another uncle, Anthony, is an actor-playwright whose works have been performed at An Grianán Theatre in the town.{{cite news|url=http://www.lmdg.org/the_people.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603041944/http://www.lmdg.org/the_people.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2004|title=Letterkenny Music and Drama Group|publisher=imdg.org |access-date=14 April 2011}} Delap visits his family in Letterkenny at least once every year.{{cite news|first=Ciaran|last=O'Donnell|url=https://donegalnews.com/2019/02/stoking-it-up-with-the-potters-in-the-championship/|title=Stoking it up with The Potters in the Championship|work=Donegal News|date=3 February 2019|access-date=3 February 2019|quote=A son of Letterkenny native, John Delap, Rory keeps in regular contact with his uncles Paddy, Brendan and Anthony and visits the Cathedral Town at least once every year.|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204023440/https://donegalnews.com/2019/02/stoking-it-up-with-the-potters-in-the-championship/|url-status=dead}}

Delap has been acknowledged for his generosity towards the Donna Louise Children's Hospice in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent. He completed a 202-mile bike ride from Newcastle upon Tyne to Edinburgh in June 2009, raising more than £7,000 for the charity.

{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/content/articles/2009/06/18/delap_charityride_feature.shtml|title=Rory Delap rides for Donna Louise|work=BBC News|date=25 June 2009|author=Matt Bowen|access-date=14 April 2011}} He then repeated the same route in June 2010, completing it in just two days.

Delap also took part in and won Marco Pierre White's Stoke Kitchen contest, with the proceeds benefiting Caudwell Children. The contest also featured a special appearance from Soccer AM's Tubes.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/stoke/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9070000/9070428.stm|title=Stoke City stars feel White's heat in Hell's Kitchen|work=BBC News|date=7 October 2010|access-date=9 February 2013}}

Due to the use of his shoulders and lower back muscles when throwing a football, Delap is an ambassador of Back in Play – a campaign to help raise awareness of Ankylosing spondylitis.{{cite news|url=http://eu.back-in-play.com/hear-from-the-professionals.aspx |title=About Rory |publisher=backinplay.com |access-date=14 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707203506/http://eu.back-in-play.com/hear-from-the-professionals.aspx |archive-date=7 July 2011 }}

Delap appears on the cover of "...And She Laughed No More: Stoke City's First Premiership Adventure", a book written by Stoke supporter Stephen Foster.{{cite news |title=And She Laughed No More|id={{ASIN|1906021627|country=uk}}}}

His sons, Liam and Finn, are both professional footballers, playing for Chelsea{{cite web |url = https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/liam-delap-completes-chelsea-transfer |title = Liam Delap completes Chelsea transfer |publisher = Chelsea F.C. |date = 4 June 2025 |access-date = 4 June 2025}} and Burton Albion respectively.

{{notelist}}

Carlisle United

• Football League Third Division: 1994–95
• Football League Trophy: 1996–97{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-happy-ending-for-carlisle-1268389.html |title=Football: Happy ending for Carlisle |first=Trevor |last=Haylett |website=The Independent |date=21 April 1997 |access-date=26 April 2024}}

Stoke City

• Football League Championship runner-up: 2007–08
• FA Cup runner-up: 2010–11

Individual

• Stoke City Coaching Staff's Player of the Year: 2008–09
• Sir Stanley Matthews Potteries Footballer of the Year: 2008–09

Derby County

• U21 Premier League 1 Division 2: 2015–16

• List of Republic of Ireland international footballers born outside the Republic of Ireland

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Stoke City F.C. managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Delap, Rory}}

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Category:Men's association football midfielders

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Category:Southampton F.C. players

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