[RELEASED] Troy Deeney

Personally, I think that Deeney has been on the decline as a footballer over the last 18 months. He certainly should not be starting in the Premier League, and I don't think he should be a starter for us in the Championship either. Saying that, I think he could definitely be a great impact sub, and depending on what his wages are now we've been relegated, I wouldn't be against keeping him here.

However, as many others have said, we've been crying out for a chaange in our style of play for a long time now. I simply cannot stand the thought of another season of our defence simply lumping it up the pitch in a vain effort to find Deeney so that he can win a flick on or a 50/50.

I also disagree with @hornetboy1 when he says that the new head coach won't have enough time to implement a new style of play. Any coach worth their salt will be able to look at a squad of players and decide upon the tactics for the season based upon that coach's knowledge and experience, and the strengths of the playing squad. You can bet your bottom dollar also that should Gino sanction the sale/loan of Deeney to another club, he will ensure that we sign an adequate replacement.

We've been crying out for change for a long time now and I think this is the time to do it, whilst Deeney still has some market value. I do not buy the argument that we don't have enough time to implement this change now. I'll be sad if Deeney does leave but excited for a new era at the club and the chaance for other players to stake their claim upfront.

 

We do really need to keep Deeney's huge ego, self-importance, injury battered body and rapidly declining ability and physical state for the Championship.

I honestly don't see how we could possibly get by as a club without him. It's all we are, after all, and we should never just get a grip and move on because how would we possibly survive? Deeney FC for life.

 

I was thinking more in terms of sentiment than the cold hard cash tbh. Maybe it's just not the "done thing" these days.

Other than Lloydinho how many of our players have had a testimonial in the last 20 years?

 

Deeney will need replacing either this summer or next. Surely it's more sensible to integrate a new striker in the Championship so they're up to speed IF we get promoted, than to get promoted relying on Troy and then chuck a new striker in at the deep end in the Premier League? The same goes for a new captain.

Keeping him this summer, particularly as a starter, would be a big mistake. A big mistake I fully expect us to make.

 

Anyone who wants to keep Deeney just watches Watford on MOTD.

 

Yeh I know . When was the last time Deeney did anything for Watford , apart from causing toxicity and rottenness . Can’t remember

 

Glad you're on board Nath. About time.

 

It's stunning that so many pundits and reporters and mourinhos can't see that he's now an aging, slow injured lump rather than an effectual dangerous target man he was in his prime. He's a Watford Legend, who always had minimal talent but made up for it with a high commitment and some cajones, but hes now thats about all he's got.

 

Disagree entirely, There has been far too little turmoil, as far as the squad goes, over the past 3 or 4 windows.

Extending contracts for players who are already a year past it, signing Udinese fringe players and bringing in Wunderkinds who will be good in 2 years has been the problem.

 

If you genuinely believe Deeney is one of our better players we will never agree on any of this, I can promise you that

 

I agree that change in the way we play is required and can happen in the close season
I would argue however against your point the we played to Deeneys strengths, we played one up front giving him no support. He needs to play with a strike partner

 

I'm going to enjoy watching people eat their words as Troy keeps Kane out of the starting lineup and stealis his England place for the Euros come Summer time. Its coming home..

 

I just offer a little diversity amongst the Deeney hatred.

 

But if Troy does leave who will take the penalties?

 

Deulofeu?

 

Why try to be so divisive?

I respect your opinion of course, but not all those who disagree with you 'hate' Deeney per se. I, along with some others apparently, just feel his time is up and now is a good opportunity to move on. That doesn't qualify as 'hatred' in my book.

 

Probably Suarez if he's here.

 

I don't hate Deeney either, he's been a terrific player and captain and legend, but it's time to start thinking about what next. That doesn't have to be instant, if he's happy to play some games and sit others out on the bench then great. I don't see he is though.

 

Mariappa.

 

I hate him.

 

I too hate him.

 

There are lots of people I don’t hate but equally don’t think should lead the line for Watford next season.

 

...and he then does what?

 

He passes it to him? Like he did when Deulofeu played in an advance role or with Ighalo. Deeney’s hold up play and distribution is terrific. He’s just very slow, often unfit and if he’s on his own his good play will count for nothing.

As a roll of the dice off the bench or in a two when at peak fitness, maybe, but it is time to be moving on.

 

All this talk about Spurs being interested in TD does not ring true to me, because if you look at the way the story is worded, it says: - Troy Deeney has been OFFERED to Spurs, it does not say that they want him.

I reckon that maybe his agent is just putting it out there that he is looking for a move and not that clubs are coming in for him, but of course I could be wrong what do you guys think?

 

More chance of Chas and Dave reforming than Deeney going to THFC.

 

I would hardly call his distribution terrific. He had pretty much the worst pass completion in the league this season (54%).

 

Better medical & fitness teams, a reduction in game time are plusses for him. If WFC needs to reboot can we do it with him still here?
I'm on the fence with this one. Deeney is a hugely important figure to the team both on and off the pitch but actually this move might make sense for all parties. If he wants to go then I'd be happy, but I also would be happy for him to stay.

 

Because no one was near him. When there is his passing is first rate.

I know this doesn’t fit the narrative, but he’s a typical slow older striker who has learned to read the game.

On his own up front is pointless though.

 

How much better was he against Arsenal when we played two up front. I'm not saying he's the answer but we didn't play to his strengths as suggested. He is more of a target man in which case needs a partner

 

Agreed. Watching the rerun of the 14/15 promotion season, Deeney scored a header and Marks described it as a 'rare headed goal for Deeney'.

It was never his game.
I don't understand why he tried to adapt to the stereotypical 'win flick ons' sort of striker. Was it his decision or a coaching decision? Maybe he just lost his pace due to lack of fitness?
It's always seemed very odd. He used to be far more effective when he chased everything down and played the ball to feet.

 

Maybe first rate when he doesn't try doing those terrible one touch flicks, the amount of times the past few seasons he's tried the first-touch Messi pass but instead ended up pin-balling it to the opposition is so frustrating. He's much better when he controls it, looks for a runner and then laysit off, but that's become rarer and rarer.

 

I had assumed it was a straight swap deal - Deeney for Kane ?

 

I'm sure he could still be a pretty decent Championship striker, or an ok back-up striker for a Prem team. He clearly has trouble getting / staying fit nowadays, and on top of that has this knee injury. When he's actually up to speed and match fit, he can be good still - he had a great patch around when Pearson first came in.

The problem with us is he is undoubtedly on a massive wage. Also, arguably his unique relationship with the club and his closeness to the owners / Giraldi seems to give him too much influence & a guaranteed starting place. I'm not sure if this is true or not in reality.

On top of that his fitness problems are only going to get worse each season and we need to move on at some point. He seems to know and accept this if you listen to his recent interviews.

Last season was so pathetic that there does seem to be a case for a complete overhaul at the club and a fresh start - Deeney going would certainly aid that.

I think if he and his agent can manage to wrangle a move to a Prem club to act as a back-up then good luck to him. On balance it would probably be best for all concerned. True club legend though.