Memorable moments: Stoke’s Delap had the world’s longest free-kick, the goalkeeper preferred to kick the ball for a corner

If someone learns to throw long outs, it can be a very effective weapon. One such player was Rory Delap, who terrified all Premier League defences in his career.

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “On a rainy Tuesday night in Stoke”. This saying took hold because of the unpleasant style the Red and Whites practiced under coach Tony Pulis. The Stoke players were all tall, combative and sliding for every ball.

In short, there was no great football being played at Stoke Stadium, it was more of a war. All of which was helped by Rory Delap, who wore the red and white jersey from 2006-2013.

His hands were literally magical. Delap had incredibly long crosses that he would shower from the opponent’s half into the whitewash where the Stoke warriors were waiting for a header. Delap’s autos weren’t arcs, they were more like armed grenades.

Better a corner than an own goal

Delap was already so famous in the Premier League that he was terrifying the opposition goalkeepers. Hull City goalkeeper Boaz Myhill was being challenged by Stoke’s attackers, but could calmly kick the ball away.

However, he realised that Delap was on the pitch and it would have meant great danger. So he preferred to turn and kick the ball for a corner. I don’t think anyone could have paid more homage to Delap.

Delap is now 47 years old and in his career he has tried on the jersey of Derby County, Southampton, Barnsley and Burton Albion, where he finished his career.

The 20-year-old shone for the U23 Citizens, Pep Guardiola gave him a chance in six games and Delap scored once.

He spent last autumn on loan at Stoke, where his father experienced the greatest glory of his career. He scored three goals in 22 Championship games, then moved to Preston in the winter.

He didn’t do so well there either, scoring once in 15 games. In the summer he returned to Manchester and went on loan to Hull City. There he may finally be finding his shooting form from youth, he has hit twice in five games.

Source: Give Me Sport, Twitter