17/09/26
Slough Town Football Club is saddened to learn of the death of legendary former player and captain John Delaney, who has passed away this week at the age of 84.
One of the all-time greats in Slough Town’s footballing history, Delaney made 243 appearances for the Club between 1963 and 1969, scoring 52 goals.
A local lad, Delaney began his footballing journey in the youth ranks at Queens Park Rangers after impressing for the District Schools XI. Following his time with QPR, he returned to Slough and played for a number of local District League clubs, including Black Horse, Horlicks and Slough & District League side Coopers.
He initially joined Slough Town as a goalkeeper, but quickly discovered that his future lay elsewhere. After making a solitary appearance as a left-half, and a brief spell in goal at the beginning of the 1963/64 season, Delaney moved into defence and established himself as a commanding centre-half.
His performances saw him become an inspirational figure at the Club, eventually taking on the captaincy and becoming one of Slough’s standout players of the era.
Delaney left Slough in the summer of 1969 to join Wycombe Wanderers, with the move helping him pursue his ambition of representing England at amateur level. That ambition was fulfilled as he went on to win 17 England amateur caps between 1969 and 1973, scoring six goals, as well as representing Great Britain.
His first spell at Wycombe proved hugely successful. He captained the club to two Isthmian League titles before leaving in 1973 to join Football League side Bournemouth.
Delaney made 25 league appearances for Bournemouth during the 1973/74 season before returning to Wycombe in 1975. Across his two spells at Loakes Park, he made 228 appearances and scored 65 goals, again playing a key role in the club's success.
He later continued his playing career with Hayes and Sutton United before taking on player-manager roles at Tring Town and Oxford City. At Oxford City, he succeeded England legend Bobby Moore as manager in 1981.
Across a career that took him from local football to the Football League and international honours, Delaney remained fondly remembered wherever he played.
His character was as memorable as his performances. An outspoken and humorous figure, he was renowned as an intimidating defender and an inspiring leader, while his contribution went well beyond his performances on the pitch.
For Slough Town supporters, however, he will always be remembered as one of the Club's greats – the local player who progressed from District League football to become a commanding centre-half, captain and prolific goalscorer for the Rebels.
The Club extends its deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all those who knew him.
One of the all-time greats in Slough Town’s footballing history, Delaney made 243 appearances for the Club between 1963 and 1969, scoring 52 goals.
A local lad, Delaney began his footballing journey in the youth ranks at Queens Park Rangers after impressing for the District Schools XI. Following his time with QPR, he returned to Slough and played for a number of local District League clubs, including Black Horse, Horlicks and Slough & District League side Coopers.
He initially joined Slough Town as a goalkeeper, but quickly discovered that his future lay elsewhere. After making a solitary appearance as a left-half, and a brief spell in goal at the beginning of the 1963/64 season, Delaney moved into defence and established himself as a commanding centre-half.
His performances saw him become an inspirational figure at the Club, eventually taking on the captaincy and becoming one of Slough’s standout players of the era.
Delaney left Slough in the summer of 1969 to join Wycombe Wanderers, with the move helping him pursue his ambition of representing England at amateur level. That ambition was fulfilled as he went on to win 17 England amateur caps between 1969 and 1973, scoring six goals, as well as representing Great Britain.
His first spell at Wycombe proved hugely successful. He captained the club to two Isthmian League titles before leaving in 1973 to join Football League side Bournemouth.
Delaney made 25 league appearances for Bournemouth during the 1973/74 season before returning to Wycombe in 1975. Across his two spells at Loakes Park, he made 228 appearances and scored 65 goals, again playing a key role in the club's success.
He later continued his playing career with Hayes and Sutton United before taking on player-manager roles at Tring Town and Oxford City. At Oxford City, he succeeded England legend Bobby Moore as manager in 1981.
Across a career that took him from local football to the Football League and international honours, Delaney remained fondly remembered wherever he played.
His character was as memorable as his performances. An outspoken and humorous figure, he was renowned as an intimidating defender and an inspiring leader, while his contribution went well beyond his performances on the pitch.
For Slough Town supporters, however, he will always be remembered as one of the Club's greats – the local player who progressed from District League football to become a commanding centre-half, captain and prolific goalscorer for the Rebels.
The Club extends its deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all those who knew him.
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