Just listened to an interview given by Rory to Midlands today - he says he's not ready to retire yet. That's good news for Tony then!!
I find it hard to slate the guy, he has been an exceptional servant to the club and to be fair he had a massive impact with his throws in our first season in the prem. However, for either him or the club to contemplate that he has a future at this level is absolute suicide. He has never had any natural pace and with his age and previous injuries this shows even more in the modern day game - I have said on previous posts that he may be able to do a job on 75 minutes plus when the game pace has slowed down! I dont understand his thought process (given that at the end of last year he couldn't believe he was playing so many games) and more importantly the managers!
Can not anything to what you say Smither's.. A great servant, NO doubting he's a great guy and a gentleman.. but There is a time, and a place for everyone and THANK YOU Rory it was great while it lasted. I think T.P. needs his head read IF he continues to KEEP on asking Rory Delap to play. Rory should realise he's too old, too slow IF he doesn't and T.P. can't see it we are going nowhere but backwards.
I honestly don't think Rory's future is at this level. He's been a terrific servant to the club, but at his age, I don't think he should be a guaranteed starter. Palacios and Whelan in the centre of the park, Rory to use as a plan B if the long throw looks necessary.
I can't imagine Delap getting in the first team of any other prem club other than Stoke. He needs putting out to grass now as his throws are not that effective anymore and everyone knows what to expect anyway. Warnock probably dealt with them the best i've seen so far yet. Push all the attackers forward so our big men have to stay back!
