Delap played 152 games for Southampton between 2001 and 2006

Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap has said he has been saddened by the demise of his former club Southampton.

The Saints have received a 10-point deduction for breaching insolvency regulations, effectively confirming their relegation to League One.

"It's sad to see what's going on at Southampton really, because they're in trouble both on and off the pitch," Delap told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Hopefully someone will be looking down on them to help them get back up."

Delap made 152 appearances for Southampton in a five-year spell between 2001 and 2006, scoring five goals.

He was also part of the squad that helped the Saints into Europe, following their run to the FA Cup final in 2003, where they lost 1-0 to Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium.

Another of Delap's former clubs, Carlisle United, are battling relegation to League Two.

"They set off unbelievably at the start of the season and they've been dragged into it," added the 32-year-old former Republic of Ireland international.

"I've still got family and friends up there and I still know people at the club, so it would be nice if they could stay up."

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