Troy Deeney is among the very few legends that most clubs have, but he is virtually definitely on Watford’s list.
Over his eleven years at Vicarage Road, the formidable striker had numerous unforgettable experiences while wearing the black and yellow of Watford.
No one would have predicted the striker to have such a successful career after only £500,000 with add-ons, and one of his strikes will live on in Hornets legend forever.
In retrospect, Deeney had shortcomings off the field, but when he was in it, he was a superstar who is now considered something of a modern-day legend.
Deeney’s Watford emergence
After a disappointing debut season in 2010, one could have excused Deeney for believing he would not have had much of a career at Vicarage Road after signing from Walsall.
The striker, who only managed two goals, was oddly deployed on the right wing as opposed to his preferred position as a natural number nine.
Following the resignation of manager Malky Mackay in the summer of 2011, Sean Dyche, Mackay’s deputy, assumed management duties.
When Dyche was a different player, he let Deeney to play up front, and the striker promptly rewarded his manager by contributing five assists and 11 goals in 43 appearances.
Although it was a better return, Watford’s number nine was just beginning to show what was to come.
Deeney’s Championship success
The forward’s career took off in the 2012–13 campaign when he scored 19 goals for Gianfranco Zola’s team.
This contributed to Watford’s third-place result, and he made Watford’s history against Leicester City in the play-off semi-final.
Watford needed a goal in the final seconds of the game to guarantee their spot in the championship, while the Foxes had a penalty to send themselves to Wembley.
After Manuel Almunia produced an incredible double save to deny Knockaert, Watford counterattacked quickly and Jonathan Hogg laid the ball on a plate for Deeney to score. The rest is history.
Although Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory over Deeney’s team in the play-off final slightly dampened the euphoria, it is still a classic moment that embodies the spirit of sport.
After that season, he persisted in overwhelming Championship defenses, scoring 21 goals in 2014–15 to assist his team achieve promotion to the Premier League.
| Troy Deeney’s Championship Seasons with Watford (Transfrmarkt) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
| 2010-11 | 36 | 2 |
| 2011-12 | 43 | 11 |
| 2012-13 | 40 | 19 |
| 2013-14 | 44 | 24 |
| 2014-15 | 42 | 21 |
| 2020-21 | 19 | 7 |
Premier League success for Deeney
Deeney’s goal-scoring prowess was always going to decline with the move to the Premier League. However, the striker kept finding the net at pivotal times, and Hornets fans consistently looked to him as their benefactor.
In fact, his debut Premier League season was his best, as he scored an incredible 13 goals in a team that only managed 40 for the entire season.
Deeney remained a dangerous player in the top division in the ensuing seasons, scoring 34 goals in the following four years.
The striker’s goal in the semi-final match against Wolves was essential in a 3-2 AET win, and the season of 2018–19 also provided him with a spot in the FA Cup final. Even though Watford lost to Manchester City 6-0 in the championship game, this will always be a memorable occasion for the supporters.
Deeney’s Watford departure
Deeney played a supporting role in his final full season with the Hornets following their relegation in the 2019–20 campaign. He scored seven goals in nineteen games to help the team return to the top division at the first attempt.
The striker was released two games into the next season and made his farewell appearance in a 2-0 loss to Brighton.
“I feel tremendous pride for what I’ve achieved and the friendships and connections I’ve made,” Deeney wrote in a post announcing his departure. My life has been radically impacted by Watford.
When I was at my lowest point, the Watford family helped me turn my life around and get back on track.
“Watford is a small part of planet Earth but for some of the most turbulent years of my life it was the centre of my universe and I couldn’t have wished for better supporters holding me up and I have been truly honoured to be the captain of that club and the fans” .
Deeney would go on to play for Forest Green Rovers and Birmingham City after this, but his most lasting memories are from Vicarage Road.
In return, Watford received 419 appearances, 140 goals, and 62 assists for the small sum of money he paid for his services.
He creates one of the most memorable moments in football history with his goal against Leicester, and Watford will remember him for years to come.
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