Rory Delap

[DeNiro]

Does anyone know when he started using this long throw, I didnt watch much of him in the Championship in last couple of years but it not something I rememeber him having when he played for us in the past

I remember him using it at Carlisle. He won a competition held by the magazine SHOOT! for having the longest throw in the football league. That must have been mid-90s. I think it was Carlisle that he was at anyway, may have been Derby.

[geysir]

Good news that he is in the squad for the Poland game.
I suppose you can say that he has thrown himself in to the squad.

[Colbert Report]

Good news that he is in the squad for the Poland game.
I suppose you can say that he has thrown himself in to the squad.

How do you know? Has the squad been announced? I can't find it myself yet.

[geysir]

I read Foot ie (http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=105290&page=3)

But it is a 24 player squad, called a preliminary squad.

[Noelys Guitar]

he threw the ball straight into the net against the Czech Republic when we won 2-1. Other than that, I don't think he got many opportunities under Kerr

Delap was rightly blamed for allowing US center half Eddie Pope to score from a corner in a home friendly international in the late 90's. Delap stood still and never jumped with Pope. If he has improved that part of his game then he deserves a chance against Poland.

[Wolfie]

Delap's been known to play at Right Full also - could be worth a look there, as cover for Finnan.

[dr_peepee]

It's out on Monday I read!

[third policeman]

Delap's been known to play at Right Full also - could be worth a look there, as cover for Finnan.

Finnan's appearances for Espanyol have been at Left Full. Which ever way round you play them I think they are better players than Delaney, Kilbane or Kelly.

[Wolfie]

Finnan's appearances for Espanyol have been at Left Full. Which ever way round you play them I think they are better players than Delaney, Kilbane or Kelly.

Also - a long throw from the Full back position, if executed sparingly, can be equally effective from a defensive point of view.

[Junior]

Finnan's appearances for Espanyol have been at Left Full. Didnt play for them last night. They had the 2nd half on Sky. Not sure if he was on the bench or not.

[Stuttgart88]

Rory Delap photo gallery from today's Guardian!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2008/nov/12/stoke-city-rory-delap?picture=339593666

[seanfhear]

:D:D:D

[Over the post]

He'd be handy if you could bring on players just for particular set pieces and take them off again after. As soon as Duff or McGeady win a throw in within range, on lumber the dynamic duo of Delap and Gary Doherty to create havoc in the opposition penalty area, beating a hasty retreat before open play resumes.

[Colbert Report]

He'd be handy if you could bring on players just for particular set pieces and take them off again after. As soon as Duff or McGeady win a throw in within range, on lumber the dynamic duo of Delap and Gary Doherty to create havoc in the opposition penalty area, beating a hasty retreat before open play resumes.

Bring Ian Harte on for free kicks! Where is he these days?

[EastTerracer]

Bring Ian Harte on for free kicks! Where is he these days?

Just saw tonight on Sky Sports News that Harte is on trial with Charlton Athletic. Hope it works out for him this time.

[tetsujin1979]

more here about the trial: http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=273771

[rambler14]

I was updating my Fantasy League team and I noticed that Delap was doubtful for the weekend.........Has an arm injury!
Anyone else would play on but his he really that bad with his feet that he'd be classed as doubtful with an arm injury???

[tricky_colour]

I was updating my Fantasy League team and I noticed that Delap was doubtful for the weekend.........Has an arm injury!
Anyone else would play on but his he really that bad with his feet that he'd be classed as doubtful with an arm injury???

Well it must put some strain on his arm muscles doing those long throws, but apparently he injured in in a fall.It does not necessarily mean he is being played exclusively for his throw, but obviously that helps.
I doubt they would be playing him if he had a knee injury for example.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7774110.stm

[Colbert Report]

I'm watching the Stoke/Liverpool match from Saturday again, it is on replay on Setanta. This guy should at least be on the bench for Ireland matches. His long throw-ins cause mass confusion and Stoke are a threat to score anytime they get a throw in within the Liverpool third of the pitch. Surely we could throw him on when we need a goal? Liverpool's defense is better than anyone in our group's bar Italy, and if they can't deal with the throw ins, how will anyone else?

[seanfhear]

I'm watching the Stoke/Liverpool match from Saturday again, it is on replay on Setanta. This guy should at least be on the bench for Ireland matches. His long throw-ins cause mass confusion and Stoke are a threat to score anytime they get a throw in within the Liverpool third of the pitch. Surely we could throw him on when we need a goal? Liverpool's defense is better than anyone in our group's bar Italy, and if they can't deal with the throw ins, how will anyone else?
He certainly would be an option and could do a job in midfield if and when he was brought on in games probably for the last 20/25 minutes

[Wolfie]

I'm watching the Stoke/Liverpool match from Saturday again, it is on replay on Setanta. This guy should at least be on the bench for Ireland matches. His long throw-ins cause mass confusion and Stoke are a threat to score anytime they get a throw in within the Liverpool third of the pitch. Surely we could throw him on when we need a goal? Liverpool's defense is better than anyone in our group's bar Italy, and if they can't deal with the throw ins, how will anyone else?

As previously posted, I'd resist the temptation to play him solely on the long throwing ability alone. It would have to be someone who can do a competent job with the added bonus of a long throw. Not the other way around!!!

This isn't water polo and its a bit of an insult to the player also.

He could be instrumental in causing some organised chaos if introduced for the final 10 mins of a game but again, there would have to be confidence in his footballing ability in open play, first and foremost.

Parking the long throw ability aside - I think he could be worth a serious look at right full - even as cover for Finnan.

[Stuttgart88]

I think we're ok at right full if everyone is fit: Finnan, Foley & Kelly. I don't rate McShane as a full back.

I personally think Delap is worth at least a squad place in CM on merit, even if he couldn't throw a ball 10 feet. At worst I think we should test this hypothesis - give him a run out in a friendly. I'd also like Carsley to be tried again.

Brian Kerr says he hasn't got the finesse required for international football CM but I'm not sure we actually have anyone that does.

[Junior]

I was looking at some of his long throws in the recent game against Liverpool (and dont shoot me down here...) but they werent that long, I mean they entered the penalty box and caused havoc but it wasnt like he was throwing them in from the half way line.

If Trap pulled his chosen squad together and got them to do a couple of long throws each in training, Im sure at least one of the first team squad could come close to a throw of that distance. Therefore if it was a tactic we wanted to use at some stage in a game - we could do it without picking Delap solely for that purpose.

However, I agree with Stutts here, Id like to give him a run out on footballing ability, unfortuantely we dont have any friendlies now until weve played another 3 competitive games (I think) by then, the squad should be even more settled and the ship may have sailed..........

[rambler14]

It looked to me vs Liverpool that the pain in his shoulder/arm was getting too much for him because there looked to be little power and distance on the throws.

[tricky_colour]

It looked to me vs Liverpool that the pain in his shoulder/arm was getting too much for him because there looked to be little power and distance on the throws.

I don't think he is played solely for his throws.
He is a decent enough player anyway.
It's not like he can't kick a ball because he can

[irishfan86]

Brian Kerr says he hasn't got the finesse required for international football CM but I'm not sure we actually have anyone that does.

I think Kerr did an alright job as our manager, so don't think I'm being brutally anti-Kerr here, but this is the same man who played Kevin Kilbane as a central midfielder in international football.

I'm not saying it wasn't effective- it was in certain games certainly, and anybody proposing Delap would be claiming that he would be in the team for his effectiveness rather than his finesse as well.

Everybody likes to see finesse players in midfield, but not every team or formation has or can accommodate these players.

[geysir]

Delap is rated not good enough for the squad based on his football ability.
Trap reckons it would be an insult to the player to have him there just for his long throw.
I wonder would Delap feel so insulted if he were to be called up? :confused:

He looked alright when he came on the field about 10 years ago, a bit raw but keen and not afraid to get stuck in.

It would appear that there are varying arguments for about 10 or 15 players on the fringes to be called up into the squad. I haven't seen Delap play, though I'd have doubts (based on that intelligent ignorance) that he would make any difference.

[Diarmo]

I imagine if Delap was about 4 years younger he would have been in the squad as soon as Stoke were promoted. Look how Trap reacted to Andrews moving to Blackburn, he got a call up as soon as he started getting game time in the Premiership.

Perhaps Trap is worried that Delap is simply too old for this campaign to start in central midfield (he'll turn 34 in July 10, just after the WC). However, I think he'd be worth a shot as he seems to be the type of midfielder Trap is looking for: good at tackling, breaking up play, playing simple passes etc.

Maybe he might get called up, but I think its unlikely. Certainly a better bet at the moment than Gibson.

[dr_peepee]

Given what Trapp expects from the Central Midfielders in his formation I see no reason why shouldn't be in the team, never mind the squad.

[geysir]

Given what Trap expects of his CM then obviously Trap thinks he has enough options to do what he wants done in CM and doesn't see Delap as offering anything better than what he has selected in the squad.
Then again, I haven't seen Delap play in years:)
Probably his reasons for overlooking Delap are similar to his reasons for overlooking Carsley. I'd say Trap is of the opinion that the limit to the ability of the younger players have not yet been reached and that he is satisfied with the number of experienced players in the squad who have more international experience than Delap.
That, Kilbane for example may not have any more ability than Delap but has a zillion caps and other influences to bear.
The time of a player doing enough at club level to earn a call up to the squad are over for now. The criteria has shifted to the team as a unit, away from individual merits.

[dr_peepee]

Given what Trap expects of his CM then obviously Trap thinks he has enough options to do what he wants done in CM and doesn't see Delap as offering anything better than what he has selected in the squad.
Then again, I haven't seen Delap play in years:)
Probably his reasons for overlooking Delap are similar to his reasons for overlooking Carsley. I'd say Trap is of the opinion that the limit to the ability of the younger players have not yet been reached and that he is satisfied with the number of experienced players in the squad who have more international experience than Delap.
That, Kilbane for example may not have any more ability than Delap but has a zillion caps and other influences to bear.
The time of a player doing enough at club level to earn a call up to the squad are over for now. The criteria has shifted to the team as a unit, away from individual merits.

Fair point. But that's not to say that if Delap can, at the very least, match the limited expectation of the central midfield in the current formation, then his throws on top of that wouldn't be an asset. Not to mention his physical stature in our current set up, as well as experience over Gibson or Whelan.

I'm not saying Delap is the saviour or singing his merrits. I just feel there's no consistency in Trapps criteria for selection. He rattles off his reasons for excluding Andy Reid with his expectations for central midfeilder, yet excludes players who tick all those box's such as Carsley and in Delaps case he happens to have a bit of a bonus on top of said 'ticks'.

I still think Trapp is lazy....

[geysir]

If Stephen Ireland makes himself available, then I suspect that Trap's comfort zone about our current midfield set up will be stirred into a bit of (overtime) mental activity.

[EastTerracer]

DeLap took his goal really well today. Made a great run from midfield and when the ball was fed through he held off Alex and Cole and dinked the ball over Cech.

I know Trapp has only seen his throw-ins but one of the things our central-midfield has lacked since Stephen Reid got injured is someone who can break forward when required. Maybe Trapp will re-think this when he sees the goal. I'm not saying he's anywhere near as good a player as S.Reid but he's honest, strong and provides a threat.

[tricky_colour]

Yep as good a goal as you will see against one of the best defences in the Prem. There is a lot more to his game than a long throw, that's a bit of a myth I think.

[SkStu]

not to mention his stamina is probably unrivalled in the rest of the Stoke team - ive noticed this on the two occasions ive seen em play this season. I like the way he plays.

[tetsujin1979]

managed to hold off Ashley Cole, and keep the ball away from Alex, and still have the time to move the ball to chip the oncoming Cech, some feat

[rambler14]

Has to be in the squad for the Georgia game in my opinion.

[danonion]

I think he has over 250 premier league appearances, he doesn't look like a bad midfielder but I think Trap would only call him up if there were two midfield withdrawals.

[OwlsFan]

Hmmm, long throws to Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane and Aidan McGeady.

Hmmmm...

[Razors left peg]

Kevin Doyle is brilliant in the air

[cavan_fan]

Well thats it exactly, we don't have strong aerial players typically so Delaps greatest asset would be worthless.

He's worth keeping in consideration as part of a backup plan though if the likes of Folan are brought on.

Ignore the throws he has been a succesful central midfielder for a Premiership club all season. Put it this way no-one in Stoke would have Whelan instead of him.

[irishfan86]

Ignore the throws he has been a succesful central midfielder for a Premiership club all season. Put it this way no-one in Stoke would have Whelan instead of him.

This is simply inaccurate, or at the very best, outdated.

Delap has played most of the season as a left midfielder. He did play a couple of games in the centre, but the vast majority of games he has played as a left sided midfielder.

Whelan has been in the starting XI for the past two months as a central midfield player.

It's time to stop calling Whelan a reserve player or bench warmer. He has won his place and is keeping it.

Criticize his play all you want, but don't call him what he isn't.

I think the comparisons with Matt Holland that some brought up in the past are bang on...very similar players for me.

[Junior]

Some poor discipline yesterday leading to his deserved Red card - very poor challenge followed up with a baiscally booting the ball at SWP from point blank range.

Could have cost Stoke badly, just as well City were so poor as Stoke ran out 1-0 winners. Whelan played though didnt see much of him on MOTD.

[Colbert Report]

Lawrence out for the next three matches. Devastating for Stoke.


Shaun Wright-Phillips should have been sent off as well! Not only for from-behind tackle that started the whole thing, but he kicked Lawrence hard from the ground. I can't believe he got off scot-free.

[Junior]

Lawrence out for the next three matches. Devastating for Stoke.


Shaun Wright-Phillips should have been sent off as well! Not only for from-behind tackle that started the whole thing, but he kicked Lawrence hard from the ground. I can't believe he got off scot-free.

Not for the tackle IMO that was fine. But he did kick out at Delap after Delap had fouled him and booted the ball at him - he could have gone for that.

[DeLorean]

It's time to stop calling Whelan a reserve player or bench warmer. He has won his place and is keeping it.

He got his place back due to Diao getting injured and Stoke went on their worst run of the season. Probably a coincidence though, maybe. Diao is still injured and therefore Whelan has maintained his place. He was dropped for the match aginst Liverpool but Diao again had a setback in the warm-up so I don't think it's accurate to suggest Whelan has won his place back at all.

Delap has played the majority of the season on the left though and has been moved to the right in recent times to accomodate Etherington.

[tricky_colour]

His long throw provided the assist for the headed goal which takes Stoke out of the relegation zone - and drops Newcastle into it.

[tricky_colour]

Incidently Stoke had 4 Irish on the pitch at one point, Delap, Lawrence, Whelan and Kelly. Not sure where the ref was from.

[Pike B]

Incidently Stoke had 4 Irish on the pitch at one point, Delap, Lawrence, Whelan and Kelly.
Great to see. Hope the Potters stay up. Honest team with bags of heart.

[Junior]

Nice interview with Delap here.

On the Stoke Dressing Room, Ireland Career, 'The throw' and Lawrence to Celtic....

Has pretty much written off any chance of resurrecting his Ireland career in a very kind of honest and pragmatic way. Says he stills follows the results as he did before he ever played for Ireland and has a lot of friends in the squad (outside of Whelan and Lawrence). Basically, he feels he was a little unfortunate with niggling injuries which always seemed to prevent him staking a proper claim for a squad place 7/8 years ago when he was featuring and that, partially at least, resulting in him not making the 2002 squad.

http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2010/pc/pod-v-08061050m51ssportatseventuesday.mp3 (From 40:30 onwards)