Clive Delaney on Derry delight and moving Down Under

By beginning his senior football career with a UCD scholarship, Clive Delaney has always regarded the game as a stepping stone to a working life in the real world. Currently residing in Sydney, Clive recently chatted to extratime.ie about his former clubs and what he’s doing now in Australia.

Back in 1998, Delaney opted to continue developing as a footballer, while still furthering his education.

“I went to UCD because of the scholarship. The group of players we had the year I came in, all ended up in the first team the next season. We all helped each other and I enjoyed balancing studying and football … I always felt blessed.”

Within a year of student life, the young defender netted the winner against Greece, securing a bronze medal for the Republic of Ireland during 1999’s UEFA U-18 Championship in Sweden.

“I was combining university and football, so had a different view than the others. People in that squad had been in England for a few years and had aspirations of becoming full-time professional footballers. My contrasting background probably made it more exciting for me, as I didn’t feel the same pressure. Scoring the goal and getting a good profile from it was very thrilling.”

After a rewarding stint with the Students, Clive signed for West Ham United, where he became a regular in the reserves for the 2002/03 season.

“I was probably a little naïve. With my educational grounding, I didn’t think I’d end up at a professional club. You’re almost grateful for being there, but I should have just pushed on and made the best of it. I played well for the reserves, but the club got relegated, so all contracts on the table were terminated.”

Despite successful trials at Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland, Delaney chose semi-professionalism with St. Patrick’s Athletic and a resumption of his studies.

“Sunderland were in administration and Mick McCarthy’s proposal was to keep me there, assess me and cover my expenses … It wasn’t a proper offer. I’ve no regrets and what I’m doing now, it’s stood to me.”

Clive helped the Inchicore outfit reach the 2003 FAI Cup Final, but a 2-0 reverse to Longford Town ended their season on a sour note.

“It wasn’t a good day. I got injured about six weeks beforehand and tried to get back in time ... It was the second game of my comeback. My ankle didn’t feel great, we didn’t play well and lost. The whole experience wasn’t a career highlight.”

2004 saw the Dubliner join Derry City, where during his first three seasons, he won two League Cups and scored against St. Patrick’s Athletic during the 2006 4-3 FAI Cup Final victory. Also around this period, manager Stephen Kenny requested that all players not from Foyleside make a permanent switch to the city.

“The first two years with Derry, I lived in Dublin. At the end of 2005, Stephen asked players to move to Derry or move on. I embraced the idea because I’d completed my qualifications. Stephen created an environment, which justified anyone’s commitment to move up. Local players appreciated that and it made the group tight.”

When Pat Fenlon took over as manager of the Candystripes in late 2006, Delaney’s contract wasn’t renewed.

“I was disappointed, but it was no surprise. I respect Pat, so I wasn’t going to make it difficult and had already spoken to Eddie Gormley about an opportunity with Bray Wanderers.”

Clive grasped the aforementioned opportunity, captaining the Seagulls during the 2007 campaign.

“You try setting an example, as Eddie had a young squad. At Derry, we trained every day, but with Bray only two or three times a week. Bringing a professional mindset wasn’t a bad thing for the group. It was an interesting time and Bray had good people.”

A second spell at Derry and a reunion with Stephen Kenny in 2008, resulted in Delaney seeing out League of Ireland football in familiar surroundings. Also during that penultimate season, he captured a third League Cup with the club, this time as skipper.

“I was vice-captain for most of my stint up there – Peter Hutton was the captain. Unfortunately for Peter, he was injured on the day, but it was special to lead out the team on the occasion ... To lift the trophy was unforgettable.”

At 6ft 6’, Clive admits to having been an unmissable onfield target for opposition League of Ireland fans.

“I remember entertaining chants I used to get, particularly from Dublin clubs … They used to always give me stick, but I used to laugh it off. If they’re not talking about you, you’re not doing your job.”

Since retiring from the domestic scene, Delaney explains how he ended up in Sydney.

“The circumstances weren’t great, in that Derry got into financial difficulties in 2009. I moved back to Dublin in November and there was little demand in the labour market for somebody who’d been playing professional football for a few years.

"My brother had moved to Australia four or five years earlier and suggested that the employment opportunities were excellent. I had the right qualifications to go for a job, so decided to come over in January 2010. I was owed wages by Derry, so had to get a loan from my parents to pay for the flights.”

Up until last year, Clive still played football, but harbours no immediate plans to stay involved with the game in another capacity.

“I originally played semi-professional football in the National Premier Leagues New South Wales, but then went to a local club – Dunbar Rovers. We won the division and the club applied for the state league. We also won that and ended up in the NPL – back into a semi-professional environment.

"This season I was offered a few coaching roles, but with a new baby last year, I’m taking a break and will determine whether I have an appetite for coaching.”