The ‘Delap` of the Championship

Article by Stefan Curtis

Much has been made of Stoke City`s use of Rory Delap and his incredibly long throws this season.

But he has some competition.

Coventry City have their very own long throw expert in the form of Aron Gunnarsson.

The 19-year-old Icelandic international admits that his ability has certainly come in useful.

“It`s a weapon. It`s already created a few goals for us this season and if I can produce a few more, I`ll be delighted.

“The funny thing is, I don`t even practise them, and I never have. It`s just something that I could do ever since I was little. When I was young I used to play handball, and the technique comes from there.”

Comparisons between Delap and Gunnarsson have been frequent, but seem to have bypassed Gunnarsson, who claims to have no knowledge of Stoke`s long throw supremo.

“Who is Delap? I havn`t seen him play, so I can`t compare us” he quipped.

Despite that, Gunnarsson would be more than willing to participate in a ‘long-throw competition` with Delap some day.

“That would be good fun! I`m ready when he is?”

Critics claim that Delap is ‘ruining` football with his unnatural ability, with some sections of crowds even booing when Delap begins his run up. So does Gunnarsson see it as degrading the game, or merely as a secret weapon?

“It`s not really a secret because teams seem to already know about it. I can`t understand why fans would boo. To me, it`s just like a corner and fans don`t boo corners. But if they decide to boo and I set up a goal, then I`m not too fussed!”

It was also recently mentioned that Delap was being lined up to represent Ireland at the Olympics throwing the Javelin. Gunnarsson admits that he could one day be tempted by the track and field events, when he hangs up his boots.

“You never know. Who can say what will happen in the future.

‘I`m not going to say no, but I have bigger priorities right now such as getting Coventry into the Premiership and getting Iceland to the World Cup.”