Troy Deeney gives his first interview on joining Forest Green as a Player-Coach in a move that has seemingly surprised many.
It was first reported earlier this week that he was spotted watching the League Two clash between Forest Green and Swindon, tipped to sign for the hosts.
And just days after that, his becomes the Rovers’ latest edition to the team, who hope to return back to League One at the first attempt.
CLUB STATEMENT:
We are delighted to announce that Troy Deeney has joined FGR as a Player-Coach.
The legendary 35-year-old arrives at The New Lawn hungry to help Rovers to a successful season in League Two, while also continuing his coaching journey in Nailsworth.
Deeney has completed his UEFA A-Licence and will support David Horseman and Assistant Head Coach Louis Carey.
Deeney, who knows Head Coach Horseman from their time together at Watford, has played over 600 games during his professional career for the Hornets, Walsall and Birmingham City.
He has almost 50 Premier League goals to his name – and he hit double figures in England’s top flight just four seasons ago.
The former Watford skipper featured for Birmingham on 33 occasions last term, bagging seven goals.
After making the move to The New Lawn, Deeney said: “It’s really exciting to be here. I came to the game on Tuesday and got a real sense of what the club is all about. I’ve always kept an eye on Forest Green anyway and have great admiration for the Chairman and what the club stands for.”
“It’s about the next 10 years, not the next 10 months. This is the start of a new journey and I’m really excited.”
Club Chairman, Dale Vince, added: “It’s amazing to welcome Troy here, both as a player and as a coach. He’ll be a fantastic addition to us here at FGR and we’re super excited to have him.”
David Horseman said: “We are absolutely delighted to get a player of Troy’s calibre. Troy brings us an ability to take the ball under pressure and bring others into the game. We know he is a proven goalscorer but also a creator for others.
“He is very much part of our coaching team and we will do everything we can to help him on his coaching journey.”
DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR EYES!👀#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/AN05rG8PmF
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) August 17, 2023
It’s amazing to welcome @T_Deeney here at @FGRFC_Official, both as a player and as a coach. He’ll be a fantastic addition to us, and we’re all super excited to have him…:) pic.twitter.com/16sRvELD5I
— Dale Vince (@DaleVince) August 17, 2023
Twitter users reacted as Troy Deeney gives his first interview on joining Forest Green as a Player-Coach…
@Jakey_Boyz: We’ve went from Bakayoko to Deeney, what year is this
@LiamGTheatre: Troy Greeney more like
@nicktotty: Good luck, I’m sure he will be a positive addition to the changing room and staff. Just be ready for when he leaves and throws you in the dirt like everyone else 🤷🏽♂️
@achrislatham: A player of his stature and reputation is a big deal. The ability. The leadership in the dressing room. And I reckon a lot of those awful decisions against us, like last Tuesday, don’t happen with someone like Troy speaking to the ref. Refs that poor get influenced. Huge.
@SteveEmmdubb: Some exciting times ahead Dale 👍
@richardtibs: Good luck Troy KRO
@1burnm: Hope he enjoys playing in front of a couple of hundred vaguely interested vegetarians where the most interesting feature is the mobile phone mast in the car park.
@jamesifraser: Brilliant signing! Troy is an amazing player and full of experience 👍
@MichaelWilcox82: Not a chance big Troy is eating falafels 😂
@Leeurmm: Troy came in and said listen, I’m in charge now, any problems come see me outside. The rest is history.
@CBMullins83: Hope you have a nice treatment room there And plenty of space as he will spend most of the in season there also hope you aint got any good young talent, he will try pimping them out to his mates in higher leagues! I say good luck Forest Green, your gona need it #BCFC #KRO
@UtvJoe: Signed the tubbiest footballer to the vegan club he’s gonna have a horrible time
@JackWFC1234: Fucking quality capture, has all the traits to be a fantastic coach and player at that level, good luck troy and good luck FGR! 😍😍😍
@IveGotWood1979: Good luck getting Troy on the Vegan train
@thegmugroup: Wow! Forest Green are literally my second team so this is brilliant!
@Niallfox0711: He’ll be class for yous double figures i think should be a target for him
@BluesAnalytics_: Good luck skipper 👊 @T_Deeney KRO
@DaveCockerLeeds; No matter which club you support, most know Troy Deeney is a legend, wish him well👌
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