lit a candle 3h agoMy dad rang me at 6am my time just to tell me Delaney had gone, he'd have wanted me to know before I saw it online. Grew up two streets from Slough Town, used to stand behind the goal as a kid watching him captain that side. 84, phone call from home, that's how I got it.
Their story
John Joseph Delaney was an English footballer, captain and later player-manager who rose from Slough district football to the Football League and England amateur honours. A commanding centre-half known for leadership and a sharp sense of humour, he starred for Slough Town and Wycombe Wanderers, earned 17 England amateur caps,…
John Joseph Delaney was an English footballer, captain and later player-manager who rose from Slough district football to the Football League and England amateur honours. A commanding centre-half known for leadership and a sharp sense of humour, he starred for Slough Town and Wycombe Wanderers, earned 17 England amateur caps, and briefly played for Bournemouth. He died on 15 September 2026 at the age of 84.
Born in Slough on 4 February 1942, Delaney impressed for the District Schools XI and spent time in the youth ranks at Queens Park Rangers. After returning home he played for local sides including Black Horse, Horlicks and Coopers before joining hometown club Slough Town. He arrived as a goalkeeper, made an early appearance at left-half, and soon settled at centre-half. Between 1963 and 1969 he made 243 appearances and scored 52 goals for the Rebels, captaining the side and becoming one of the club's standout players of the era.
In 1969 he moved to Wycombe Wanderers to pursue England amateur recognition. That ambition was fulfilled: between 1969 and 1973 he won 17 England amateur caps and scored six goals, and he also represented Great Britain. At Wycombe he captained the club to two Isthmian League titles. Across two spells at Loakes Park he made 228 appearances and scored 65 goals in all competitions, and he helped Wycombe to an Anglo Cup win over Monza. At 31 he turned professional with Football League side Bournemouth, making 25 league appearances in 1973 to 1974 before returning to Wycombe in 1975.
His first Slough Town appearance came on 15 May 1963 against Windsor and Eton. Club historians still present him as the local player who progressed from District League football to become a commanding centre-half, captain and prolific goalscorer for the Rebels.
After leaving Wycombe he played for Hayes and Sutton United, then took player-manager roles at Tring Town and Oxford City. In 1981 he succeeded England World Cup winner Bobby Moore as manager of Oxford City. Slough Town remembered him as a local lad who became an inspirational captain, an intimidating defender and a character off the pitch, once urging that supporters be told they were worth a goal a game. Wycombe and Slough both paid tribute after his death. He is remembered as one of Slough Town's all-time greats and as a Wycombe captain who bridged amateur excellence and the professional game.
Biography adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA): John Delaney (footballer); Slough Town FC tribute and player profile; Wycombe Wanderers FC.
In their own words
“Don't forget to tell the supporters what a fantastic lot they are, worth a goal a game!”
Recalled by Slough Town FC in its tribute to Delaney
Photos
1John Delaney in his playing days
by People Forever
Same, my uncle rang me too. Slough people looked after their own.