Rory Delap

Last updated 29th, September, 2008

Rory John Delap (born July 6, 1976, Sutton Coldfield) plays for Stoke City and the Republic of Ireland.

Delap, a midfielder who can also play in defence, has become famous for his long throw-ins, which have proved to be a vital weapon in Stoke City’s Premier League campaign.

Rory started his career at Carlisle United in 1994 and he made 65 appearances, scoring seven goals, for the Cumbrians, before Derby County manager Jim Smith signed him for £200,000 in February 1998.

After more than 100 games for the Rams, Rory Delap joined Southampton for £4m and, during a five-year spell, on the south coast, he made 132 appearances.

In the 2005/2006 season, Delap moved north to Sunderland, but he endured a frustrating time there with a broken nose sidelining him for a lengthy spell. In October 2006, new Sunderland manager Roy Keane allowed Rory to move to Stoke City on loan.

Rory Delap made his Stoke City debut in a 4-0 victory at Leeds United, but on his home debut, ironically against Sunderland, Delap broke his tibia and fibula in a tackle.

Despite this injury, Stoke City manager Tony Pulis concluded a permanent deal for Delap to move to the Britannia Stadium.

The injury sidelined Delap for the remainder of the 2006/2007 season, but he returned in pre-season against Newcastle Town and went on to make 46 appearances, scoring two goals, as Stoke City won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Delap the throw-in expert

Rory Delap, a former schoolboy javelin champion, shot to fame in the Premier League with his long throw-ins causing problems for opponents and creating a number of goal assists for Stoke City.

Rory’s throw-ins vary between 30 and 40 metres in length and he can vary the trajectory to add an extra dimension to the set-pieces.

One of Rory Delap’s throw-ins played a huge part in Stoke City securing their first-ever Premier League victory – 3-2 over Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium in August.

Deep into second-half injury-time, Delap launched a throw in to the Aston Villa penalty area, where Mama Sidibe glanced the ball past goalkeeper Brad Friedel for the winner.

Delap has also been credited with assists for both Stoke City goals in the 3-2 home defeat by Everton and the 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium.

However, Delap has proved that he can also pop up with crucial goals for Stoke City, having scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in October.

Delap has also made 11 appearances for the Republic of Ireland after making his debut in 1998. However, he has not been involved in the Republic of Ireland squad since 2004, although there have been calls for Delap to be included in recent squads.