John Delaney

Bio

John Delaney, one of the all-time greats in Slough Town’s footballing history, sadly passed away in September 2026 at the age of 84.

A local lad who graduated through District League football, John made 243 appearances for Slough Town between 1963 and 1969, scoring 52 goals. He became a commanding and inspirational centre-half and eventually captained the Club.

John began his footballing career in the youth ranks at Queens Park Rangers after impressing for the District Schools XI under Bob Gibbs. After a season and a half with the London club, he returned to Slough, where he played for Black Horse in the District League, followed by spells with Horlicks and Coopers. He also played Sunday football for the Naval Club.

He initially joined Slough Town as a goalkeeper, having joined the Club after a successful season with Coopers. After making a solitary appearance as a left-half at the end of the 1962/63 season, John had a brief spell as first-team goalkeeper at the beginning of the following campaign.

John soon decided that keeping goal was not his forte. Having originally come to the Dolphin as a right-half, an opportunity to play at centre-half presented itself when Wilks was unavailable for the opening two matches. John took his chance and never looked back.

After returning in the summer of 1964, he established himself as a commanding centre-half and became an inspirational figure in the Slough side, eventually taking on the captaincy for the next five seasons.

John was also a character away from the pitch. A humourist himself, he once waxed eloquently about beer being served in a straight glass rather than a tankard.

"Don't forget," he said, "to tell the supporters what a fantastic lot they are, worth a goal a game!"

It was a comment that captured both his personality and the affection he had for the Club's supporters.

In the summer of 1969, John left Slough Town for Wycombe Wanderers in pursuit of his ambition to represent England at amateur level. He achieved that ambition, winning 17 England amateur international caps between 1969 and 1973 and scoring six goals. He also represented Great Britain.

John enjoyed two successful spells with Wycombe, becoming an inspiring leader and captaining the club to two Isthmian League titles. Across his time at Loakes Park, he made 228 appearances and scored 65 goals in all competitions, and also helped Wycombe to an Anglo Cup victory over Monza.

At the age of 31, John was persuaded to turn professional and joined Football League side Bournemouth. He made 25 league appearances during the 1973/74 season before returning to Wycombe in 1975.

Following his second spell at Wycombe, John continued his playing career with Hayes and Sutton United.

He later moved into management, taking on player-manager roles with Tring Town and Oxford City. In 1981, he succeeded Bobby Moore as manager of Oxford City.

From his beginnings in local District League football, John went on to become a Slough Town captain, England amateur international, Great Britain representative and Football League player.

For Slough Town supporters, however, he will always be remembered as one of the Club's greats – a local player who became a commanding centre-half, inspirational captain and prolific goalscorer.

John Delaney
1942–2026

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