Troy Deeney 'like a big kid again' after return to action with Watford
10:00am Friday 28th September 2012 in Latest Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Troy Deeney receives instructions before returning to action with the Hornets. Picture: Holly Cant
Troy Deeney's prison sentence has been an “eye opener” for the striker but last season’s top goal scorer is “like a big kid again” following his return to the club.
Deeney was released from prison three weeks ago after serving two-and-a-half months of a ten-month sentence for affray, following a fight outside a Birmingham nightclub in February.
Watford’s new regime decided they wanted to retain the services of the striker several months ago, even though it was only confirmed publicly once the player was set free.
Hornets defender Nyron Nosworthy believes the club’s continued support provided Deeney with the motivation needed to return in great shape.
The centre-half said: “I think everything that has happened to the lad since the summer has been an eye opener for him, in terms of how lucky we are to be footballers.
"He has been able to knuckle down because he knew that the club were still here for him and that has helped him massively.
“He’s just knuckled down and kept himself in the best condition he could and he said he’s just happy to be playing football, he’s like a big kid and you can see that he’s enjoying it. He’s just looking to work hard and get his name back up in lights.”
Deeney is one of the big personalities in Watford’s dressing room and is a player who has always made time to interact with supporters.
His return boosted morale within the Hornets’ squad and a number of his team-mates used micro-blogging site Twitter to express their delight when he reappeared at their London Colney base a few weeks ago.
“It’s good for us and I’m happy for him,” Nosworthy said.
“I think it has been an eye opener for him and it was a mistake. As a footballer we have reputations to uphold and we are seen in a different light, so you can’t go out and lose your head because it’s more costly for you than a normal person.
“Troy had to learn that the hard way but he’s now got a second chance, he’s been blessed. He’s here now and he understands that it’s not a case of taking all the fire out of him, he needs that on the pitch.
"But he knows what he did was wrong and he has served the consequences. He’s just happy to be here and have another bite of the apple.”
Nosworthy stated he not only classes Deeney as a team-mate but also a good friend and confirmed that some of the senior players did offer the former Walsall man words of advice following his release.
“Obviously he’s young and fiery which can sometimes get you into trouble,” Nosworthy said. “As an older pro, I talk to him and we’re good friends.
“He has a good temperament, he likes to work hard and enjoys training, so I think it’s only a matter of time before he’s back starting again, scoring goals and doing what he’s meant to be doing, which is enjoying football playing for Watford.”
Deeney was warmly welcomed by the majority of supporters when he came on as a 55th-minute substitute at the weekend, although there were some boos.
The 24-year-old provided the Hornets with a much greater attacking threat and after almost scoring with his first touch, played a big part in his side’s opener.
Nosworthy said: “Everyone knows what Troy’s about; he’s a powerful young lad, he’s got a finish on him and even though he’s been away for a while, he showed that he hasn’t lost his touch.
“I’m happy for him to be back amongst it and obviously he’s a benefit to the squad and helps makes us stronger.”
Gianfranco Zola has publicly backed Deeney and believes he deserves a second chance after “paying for his mistake”.
Zola was surprised by the player’s level of fitness and was pleased with his impact during Saturday’s draw against Bristol City.
“In the second half we increased the tempo and when Troy came on he made a big impact. The situation got better and better,” Zola said.
“I am glad Deeney is back. He is an important player and he is just the right player for this team.
“He showed very good attributes and he will get better and better. We are very happy to have him and we will improve a lot.”
Comments(19)
garston tony
says...
10:17am Fri 28 Sep 12
And as to Deeney being like a big kid, well again kicking an innocent person in the head does rather show a lack of maturity so this is no surprise.
So the club made the decision to keep him months ago, so well before any apology then. I'd still be interested to know if TD has apologised directly to his victim, he deserves an apology far more than the club or fans do.
buckler
says...
10:27am Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:Zzzzzzzzzzz! Yes he has..
Nosworthy said 'Footballers have a reputation to uphold', to be honest with all the negativity surrounding football players and their many antics in recent years kicking an innocent person in the head when they are already on the floor is actually surely upholding footballers (very poor) reputation.
And as to Deeney being like a big kid, well again kicking an innocent person in the head does rather show a lack of maturity so this is no surprise.
So the club made the decision to keep him months ago, so well before any apology then. I'd still be interested to know if TD has apologised directly to his victim, he deserves an apology far more than the club or fans do.
garston tony
says...
10:51am Fri 28 Sep 12
And just because you dont agree with me doesnt make my post boring. There are plenty of fans who dont agree with TD being back at the club and we have as much right to express our opinion as you do.
The fact is that whilst the vast majority of footballers are decent people that profession has a poor reputation thanks to in recent years many many reports of activities such as roasting, rape, murder, assaults (sexual and physical), drink driving, speeding, theft, cheating/betting scandals, drug taking, gambling, financial excess, vandalism, drunken behaviour etc. all enclosed in a seeming attitude of the perpertrators that they are above the law somehow.
Whilst I disagree with Nosworthy that footballers have much of a reputation to uphold these days they ARE role models and clubs like Watford 'forgiving' players who committ crimes purely because they are an asset on the pitch sends the wrong message out
Bush Hornet
says...
11:15am Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:my word, how EXCRUCIATINGLY dull Tony. Move on please.
If that is the case good, where was that reported please?
And just because you dont agree with me doesnt make my post boring. There are plenty of fans who dont agree with TD being back at the club and we have as much right to express our opinion as you do.
The fact is that whilst the vast majority of footballers are decent people that profession has a poor reputation thanks to in recent years many many reports of activities such as roasting, rape, murder, assaults (sexual and physical), drink driving, speeding, theft, cheating/betting scandals, drug taking, gambling, financial excess, vandalism, drunken behaviour etc. all enclosed in a seeming attitude of the perpertrators that they are above the law somehow.
Whilst I disagree with Nosworthy that footballers have much of a reputation to uphold these days they ARE role models and clubs like Watford 'forgiving' players who committ crimes purely because they are an asset on the pitch sends the wrong message out
(Yes he apologised to his victim. It's there in the Watford Observer somewhere in the past. Look it up and stop being boring.)
Only 2 Ross Jenkins
says...
11:17am Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:It was reported that he'd apologised to the victim around the time of his public apology, I think.
If that is the case good, where was that reported please? And just because you dont agree with me doesnt make my post boring. There are plenty of fans who dont agree with TD being back at the club and we have as much right to express our opinion as you do. The fact is that whilst the vast majority of footballers are decent people that profession has a poor reputation thanks to in recent years many many reports of activities such as roasting, rape, murder, assaults (sexual and physical), drink driving, speeding, theft, cheating/betting scandals, drug taking, gambling, financial excess, vandalism, drunken behaviour etc. all enclosed in a seeming attitude of the perpertrators that they are above the law somehow. Whilst I disagree with Nosworthy that footballers have much of a reputation to uphold these days they ARE role models and clubs like Watford 'forgiving' players who committ crimes purely because they are an asset on the pitch sends the wrong message out
Perhaps Watford's thinking is that they can help Deeney in his rehabilitation. After all, if we was simply sacked, he may be more likely to reoffend? I guess this would only happen in the world of sport (and music?).
Deeney could well improve his reputation by involving himself in some kind of charity work.
garston tony
says...
11:32am Fri 28 Sep 12
As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else.
Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare.
As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
Bush Hornet
says...
11:43am Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:I just had the Jehovah's Witnesses at my door. I think they're dull too, and quite wrong. But I do agree with them that there is a God and I do believe in forgiveness. And if you still believe that Deeney needs more punishment it says more about your own bitterness than anything else.
I must have missed the article where it mentioned he apologised to the victim, the WO only seemed to mention the apology to the club and fans.
As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else.
Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare.
As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
Richard - Come On You Golden Boys!
says...
11:49am Fri 28 Sep 12
So let's just stop the debate now and give him our full support, along with the rest of the team.
There's enough anti-Watford stuff being thrown at us right now so we certainly don't need to keep dragging this up ourselves.
Come On You Golden Boys!
tonyevans22
says...
12:36pm Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:FGS Move on man..GT saved Tony Coton from going to prison as well due to a similar incident and became a hero at our club.Merson adams,Wise,King,Lee Hughes have all been in trouble and all still played football and Hughes and King are still playing now.Life goes on,and TD won't be the last player to go to prison either.There are plenty of fights around the country which go unreported because they are not in the public eye,but they still have to reform and get back into work if they change.TD made a mistake,he acknowledged that by a public apology to the club,victim and fans,move on and forget!!
I must have missed the article where it mentioned he apologised to the victim, the WO only seemed to mention the apology to the club and fans.
As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else.
Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare.
As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
Dr,Oftaw
says...
1:31pm Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I must have missed the article where it mentioned he apologised to the victim, the WO only seemed to mention the apology to the club and fans. As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else. Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare. As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
aaaaaawn!boring tony
buckshornet
says...
1:38pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Eastsussexhornet
says...
1:45pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Dr,Oftaw wrote:I know it's tempting to keep up this baiting of poor old Garston Tony but shall we call it a day now? I am having difficulty staying awake!
garston tony wrote:yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I must have missed the article where it mentioned he apologised to the victim, the WO only seemed to mention the apology to the club and fans. As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else. Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare. As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
aaaaaawn!boring tony
Ilford Pete
says...
1:49pm Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:I support Tony's right to comment. The underlying question is whether Watford FC has any values other than winning football matches. If not, then supporters become merely tribal - supporting WFC right or wrong. That is a pretty grim prospect, in which all the joy of watching football is lost, and it merely becomes a place where lost young men feel an exclusive belonging.
I must have missed the article where it mentioned he apologised to the victim, the WO only seemed to mention the apology to the club and fans.
As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else.
Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare.
As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
Specifically on Deeney, he served too short a sentence, but that is not his fault - it is the fault of the ultra-liberal justice system. As for Deeney's remorse, I feel we must trust that it is genuine and support him in his 'second chance'.
buckler
says...
3:46pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Hornet87
says...
4:41pm Fri 28 Sep 12
garston tony wrote:'The fact is that whilst the vast majority of footballers are decent people that profession has a poor reputation thanks to in recent years many many reports of activities such as roasting, rape, murder, assaults (sexual and physical), drink driving, speeding, theft, cheating/betting scandals, drug taking, gambling, financial excess, vandalism, drunken behaviour etc.'
If that is the case good, where was that reported please? And just because you dont agree with me doesnt make my post boring. There are plenty of fans who dont agree with TD being back at the club and we have as much right to express our opinion as you do. The fact is that whilst the vast majority of footballers are decent people that profession has a poor reputation thanks to in recent years many many reports of activities such as roasting, rape, murder, assaults (sexual and physical), drink driving, speeding, theft, cheating/betting scandals, drug taking, gambling, financial excess, vandalism, drunken behaviour etc. all enclosed in a seeming attitude of the perpertrators that they are above the law somehow. Whilst I disagree with Nosworthy that footballers have much of a reputation to uphold these days they ARE role models and clubs like Watford 'forgiving' players who committ crimes purely because they are an asset on the pitch sends the wrong message out
This has nothing to do with being footballers, it has alot to do with being a nasty human being. You make the news if you're in a position of fame or do something horrible. Garston Tony I hope you give just as much scrutiny to every news article you read about someone doing a crime. Does every person who is sent down for assualt not get to have a career after they have served their sentence? TD has done his time just like most hooligan football supporters have for assualting others. Fortunately for him TD has a career of football to fall back on unlike the rest of us in 'normal' professions and he should be allowed to carry it on.
qetu1358
says...
6:40pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Ilford Pete wrote:Well said
garston tony wrote:I support Tony's right to comment. The underlying question is whether Watford FC has any values other than winning football matches. If not, then supporters become merely tribal - supporting WFC right or wrong. That is a pretty grim prospect, in which all the joy of watching football is lost, and it merely becomes a place where lost young men feel an exclusive belonging.
I must have missed the article where it mentioned he apologised to the victim, the WO only seemed to mention the apology to the club and fans.
As to being dull, that is your opinion but i know that there are many fans who have the same view as mine and we have every right to speak our minds on this matter. The fact that TD has been retained as a Watford player makes it a little hard to 'move on', and sorry only 2 Ross Jenkins i seriously doubt if WFC retained TD in the hope of aiding his rehabilitation, its purely down to football and results nothing else.
Look at the big hoo haa the club made over Bangura to keep him in this country yet the moment he was no longer of service out he went on his ear. Ditto TD, they'll come a point were the club will off load him without a thought or care for his welfare.
As to being boring, so is people who dont agree with certain others being told to shut up or go away. Quite immature to boot
Specifically on Deeney, he served too short a sentence, but that is not his fault - it is the fault of the ultra-liberal justice system. As for Deeney's remorse, I feel we must trust that it is genuine and support him in his 'second chance'.
Paul Gadd
says...
7:02pm Fri 28 Sep 12
He'll kick on the floor
He'll break your fn jaw
welcome back Troy
DuffmanWFC
says...
8:28pm Fri 28 Sep 12
buckler says...
10:13am Fri 28 Sep 12