Former Watford and Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney joins Forest Green Rovers as player-coach
Vastly experienced 35-year-old takes on new role with League Two club
Forest Green Rovers have appointed former Premier League striker Troy Deeney as their new 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 boss 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.”
Rovers 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 Forest Green and we’re super excited to have him.”
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.”
* Forest Green play Newport County AFC at home in League Two on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
