Irish international and king of the long throw, Rory Delap, hung up his boots today. This video is the best tribute we could possibly imagine.
After 21 years, seven clubs and 11 Irish caps, Rory Delap retired from football today, aged 37. After joining Burton Albion in League 2 in the summer, he made just seven appearances before announcing his retirement this morning.
He last played for Ireland in March 2004 and it was around this time that he rose to his highest level, helping Southampton reach the FA Cup final in 2003, before a move to Sunderland, and then Stoke, made him a Premier League regular.
It was at Stoke that his reputation as the most lethal throw-in man in the game was forged and this video, beautifully soundtracked we might add, showcases just what a weapon it was.
Delap left Stoke this summer to go to Burton Albnion after a loan spell at Barnsley but just seven games into his career there, he announced his retirement today.
We know that Delap was much more than a flinger of uncertainty into the box, and to prove it here’s a peach of an overhead volley he scored during his Sunderland days.
Enjoy your well earned retirment Rory. We’re sure he is off on holiday now to some far-flung location. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
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