Welcome to Last Word on Football’s ‘Families in Football’ series. In this, we take a look at siblings, cousins and even parents and children that have played the beautiful game. Some have played cup finals together while others have been on opposing sides. Today, we focus on Rory Delap and his two sons, Liam Delap and Finn Delap.
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Families in Football: Rory Delap, Son Liam Delap & Son Finn Delap
Rory Delap
The former Republic of Ireland international was a combative midfielder known for his long throws, notoriously when operating under Tony Pulis. He spent his entire career in the English football pyramid, making hundreds of appearances for teams like Derby County, Southampton, and Stoke City.
The 49-year-old retired in 2013 after making a handful of appearances for Burton Albion before moving into coaching as part of Derby County’s developmental teams.
Liam Delap
The most well-known of Rory’s sons, the Chelsea striker came up through Derby’s academy, joining in 2010 and remaining there until 2019 when he was dazzled by Manchester City to join their youth side. He had loan spells in the lower levels before having a breakout term with Hull City that got him on the radar of Ipswich Town.
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His debut Premier League campaign with the Tractor Boys saw him net 12 goals in 37 appearances before a move to the Blues where he has struggled to adapt. The 23-year-old has only managed to grab two goals in 38 matches.
While his parent chose to represent the Irish national team, the former Ipswich attacker has opted to represent England at youth level, being capped up to U21 level. He is eligible to represent Ireland or Scotland at senior level if he eventually chooses to.
Finn Delap
Younger brother Finn has two notable ties to his father’s footballing career. He was also in Derby’s academy system but made the move to Burton Albion in 2022, the same team where his dad ended his own career. Completing the set, the 20-year-old is a defender meaning the family has had a striker, midfielder, and defender in professional football.
He has mostly been playing in the lower levels of England, having loans in the non-league for Ilkeston Town, Mickleover, Woking, and Buxton.
Featured Image Credit
IMAGO / Sportimage
