Stoke City: Rory Delap says class of 2011/2012 has point to prove
THE Potters' class of 2011/12 will have a point to prove when the new Premier League campaign gets underway.
While Tony Pulis looks for new recruits to bolster his squad, veteran midfielder Rory Delap says the players who finished last term are desperate to make amends for narrowly missing out on a top-10 finish.
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Stoke City's Rory Delap
City have confirmed their interest in England legend Michael Owen and are also being linked with Houston Dynamo centre-half Geoff Cameron.
And while Delap expects Pulis to strengthen, he says the current players are still smarting after the disappointing conclusion to last season.
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Stoke had to settle for 14th place after a defeat at QPR and a draw at home to Bolton in their final two games, and Delap said: "It was a horrible feeling after the Bolton game. It was so flat because we had been going for that top-10 place for the previous nine months or so.
"From the first day back in pre-season training the manager had drummed it into us.
"All through the season we felt we could do it, but we couldn't finish it off and we have to learn from that."
Delap dismissed suggestions that City lost some of their competitive edge once they were safe from relegation.
"People said we were okay seven or eight games from the end of the season, but it wasn't a case of us thinking 'we're safe, let's start booking the holidays'.
"It meant a hell of a lot to the players and the whole club, so we were concentrated on finishing in the top 10 and were convinced we would get there.
"The manager will be looking to improve the squad again and hopefully he can bring a few players in.
"That will give us a lift, but if it doesn't happen we still have a squad equipped to do well."
Delap is getting stuck into fitness work before the squad report back for pre-season training in a fortnight.
However, his wife Helen is doing most of the hard work this week as she raises funds for the Donna Louise Children's Hospice.
Helen today began the Tres Picos (three peaks) Challenge which involves climbing three of Spain's highest mountains in three days.
Delap, a father of three, said: "I'm looking after the kids while she's away, so I think I'm the one who should be sponsored.
"But seriously, she's taken on a real challenge, hiking 14-15 hours a day for three days.
"It's for a great cause. You don't have to have children to appreciate the great work they do at Donna Louise, but maybe it hits harder if you do."
Details of how to make a donation can be found at justgiving.com/HelenDelaptrespicoschallenge
Comments
by JTFLINT2009
Thursday, June 28 2012, 6:56PM
“Fair point. As I said I wouldn't sell either of them but if we needed to 'get rid' of one for footballing reasons rather than financial reasons then it would be Delap rather than Whelan who I would release. Like you say though with him being earmarked for future coaching roles in the future I can't see he'll be released/sold even if he only makes a dozen appearances next season.”
by Pottedrengen
Thursday, June 28 2012, 6:47PM
“You can't sell Delap, Flint. Who'd want to invest 5€ in a 36-year old player? It's no criticism of Rory, but simply market mechanisms. Most current players on Stoke's books won't bring in much because of that. Whelan is probably one of the few who'd bring in a decent packet as he's only 28 though it will be nothing much as his only PL experience is with Stoke. But of course I dont want to see him go, he's crucial to our near future until the day when and if we bring in a player with similar or better vision. Anyway Delap wont be sold as Pulis has marked him down for a future staff role.”
by JTFLINT2009
Thursday, June 28 2012, 3:29PM
“Delap was more than just his throw as his work-rate was second to none. His passing accuracy is worse than Whelan's though and the likelihood of him scoring during a match is more unlikely than Whelan. Therefore if attributes in a midfielder go in the order of priority as passing, shooting, work rate and then tackling; in my eyes Whelan has more to offer than Delap. In short though, I wouldn't sell either of them. For four seasons we've had the likes of Tonge and Soares sitting on the sidelines labelled 'fringe' players, to be called upon if we suffer a massive injury crisis. Keeping players who are happy to be here despite not playing every week is good for the club's ability to cope with such an injury crisis, if not fantastic for the players.”
by soccerfoot11
Thursday, June 28 2012, 3:06PM
“I say get rid of Whelan. If we are to progress, evolve, move forward, whatever you want to call it, negative players such as him wont help !
If only Rory was a little younger, his attitude and enthusiasm has made him a good player in his time with the team and he is/was definitely much more than just his throw”
by JTFLINT2009
Thursday, June 28 2012, 1:18PM
“He obviously believes he'll get enough games. Next season will show whether or not he will. With Jamie Ness then there'd be competition with Ness, Palacios, Whelan, Whitehead, Delap. Considering the club's policy or evolution not revolution, it could just be a case of one player leaving every season and gradually becoming the team that fans want us to be. I'm happy waiting, but in fairness unless bad luck befalls me, I've got the time to wait...”
by Pottedrengen
Thursday, June 28 2012, 12:57PM
“Good to hear, Rory, but just what part in it do you expect to play especially if they bring in another midfielder?”
by JTFLINT2009
Thursday, June 28 2012, 12:50PM
“Nice insight into the Stoke dressing room at the end of last season.”