This is a Brilliant write up by a friend of mine Marc Espley : As a massive stoke city fan who admins on fortress Britannia the release of Rory Delap without being given a proper send off is a bit sad. Delap a player who does not warrant a testimonial match due to not playing for the club for ten years, but does Warrant one for being a modern professional and a major part of the success the club has had in recent times. I am in no doubt that without Delap in the side in the first two years of being promotes that Stoke would be playing championship football now. Delap did not only have his long throw he also was a leader of the team even if not captain, his presence due to his long throw caused opposing sides to change there style and personal to combat Delap not stoke just the player. Oppositions would train prior to the game on defending throws and would play taller defenders than there 1st choice to defend against Delap, and one comical part of Delap playing is a teams reluctance to allow it go out for a throw and would opt to kick out for a corner. No other player I can think of in recent stoke history has influenced the game so much, this is why I believe Rory should be given a testimonial, as we know being a massive charity giver himself the money raised would go to a good cause and the man can say a proper goodbye the fans that have cheered him on at his time at our great club. (Marc)
Posted on: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 18:30:54 +0000