It’s been one of the most intoxicating and consistent tales of the last decade, but all good things need to come to an end.
Goodbye
The Telegraph has reported that Premier League newcomers West Brom want to sign the Hornets’ skipper as they try to strengthen their squad ahead of their campaign back in the top flight.
Troy Deeney is a club legend that has been fantastic for Watford since he signed from Walsall in 2010 and has become almost eponymous with the club over the course of his 398 games, 133 goals and 59 assists.
There’s little doubt he would have wanted the move if it weren’t for relegation to the Championship, which is a league a man of Deeney’s abilities would be able to boss about without much trouble at all.
Good Team Man
The 32-year-old is a leader and an experienced campaigner, two things managers always like, and could add a lot to Slaven Bilic’s Baggies squad. West Brom have only made one signing this window and look set to miss out on Ollie Watkins and Ebere Eze, said the Tele, and they’ll be keen to add bodies through the door.
It’ll be strange to think of Watford as Watford without Mr. Watford. Deeney has been their leader and their mouthpiece for so long that everything the club does it viewed through the lens of their talisman, while seeing him swap the yellow of Watford for the colours of anyone else will be a jarring experience.
Mutually Beneficial
Watford have been good to him, and in turn he has been good to Watford. They stood by the forward when he was jailed for 10 months for assault, even if he was released after three because of his good behaviour.
That experience changed Deeney, who went on to become a model professional and enjoy serious success with the side who showed him loyalty.
He would be an asset for many Premier League squads, even if his age will count against him. A two-year deal would provide a fine mixture of security and breathing room, as it would let West Brom have peace of mind that their short-term aims will be achieved, while giving them 24 months to find a better solution.