Skip to content

Troy Deeney admits crying after Watford were promoted

Watford's Matej Vydra (centre) is congratulated Troy Deeney (left) after scoring his sides second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match
Image: Watford secured their promotion on Saturday

After previous play-off heartbreak, Watford striker Troy Deeney admits he shed a tear when the Hornets secured their promotion to the Premier League last weekend.

Speaking to George Gavin and Don Goodman on FL72 Review, Deeney said: "I've said before, I'm not an emotional character, but I definitely shed a tear that day.

"It was a nice personal [feeling], and to be with the team, it's been a massive three years. We lost the play-off final two years ago so we've had the heartbreak, a bit of a lull last year, and then obviously to do it now has been perfect."

On a personal level, it has been an impressive season for the striker, who has been heavily linked with a move higher up the football chain, and was this week voted in the Championship Team of the Year.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watford's players found out they were promoted to the Premier League on the team bus on their way back from their 2-0 win at Brighton.

"Goal number 21 and assist number nine [on Saturday], so it's going quite well," Deeney continued. "I'm trying to get double figures in both and then it'll be a great season.

"These kind of awards are nice, but the main aim is the Premier League. The key thing for us has just been the belief. From day one, there was a belief that we were going to be in the top two. I don't mean that to sound clichéd but this is from day one, this is what we need to do.

"We’ve put the work in. The managerial merry-go-round was a bit comical at times, but the group has stayed the same, there’ve not been many changes, there’ve been a few additions, a few have left, but generally the core has stayed the same, and that has pushed us all together. All the players deserve a massive amount of credit."

Watford's Troy Deeney scores the first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton.
Image: Troy Deeney scored his 21st goal of the season against Brighton

But for Watford, the season is not yet complete. Although promotion is secure, the players are determined to beat Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and secure the title.

When asked how important it is to be crowned champions, Deeney said: "Massive, massive. We want to be the best team there. To have a winners’ medal, no-one can take that away from you. We’ve all got kids and stuff, so that’s something to look forward to."

Around Sky