Former Crystal Palace Defender Makes Surprise Switch to Hometown Club Cork City FC
Former Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney has made a surprise move to League of Ireland side Cork City FC, after running down his contract at Selhurst Park.
The 36-year-old spent six years with the Eagles, making 193 appearances in that time. As a centre back, he still popped up with the odd goal, scoring seven times and collecting 10 assists. He has now signed a one year contract with Cork.
Speaking to the club's Official Website, when asked about his feelings regarding the move, Delaney declared: “Excited would be the word. I am really excited by what Cork City are doing and the direction the club is going in.
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"Speaking to John, he is obviously very enthusiastic, I know he does things the right way and is driving forward, so that is something I want to be part of.”
Delaney was born in Cork back in 1981, and started his career with the club in 1998. He would go on to play for a number of storied English sides, spending six years at Hull City and Palace, as well as having successful spells at QPR and Ipswich Town.
However, he did admit he retained an eye on the fortunes of his first club, proclaiming: “I always watched from a distance, to see the results on a Friday night. Doing the double last year was a great achievement and I am looking forward to being part of something that is moving forward.
He also acknowledged Cork's surprise European qualification was a factor: “Playing in Europe was part of the draw for me. It will be nice to play Champions League football!"
