Big Troy Deeney decision is looming at Birmingham City, here is what the Blues need to do: Opinion | OneFootball

With a tattoo of the Birmingham City crest on his leg, it always felt right that one day, Troy Deeney would turn out for the Blues.

That finally came to fruition back in 2021 following Watford’s promotion to the Premier League.

That 2020/21 campaign, the Hornets skipper had struggled with injury, and Watford clearly felt that upon their return to the top flight, the time was right for him to move on.

That came despite a very good return of seven goals and three assists in 19 league matches, it should be noted.

At the end of August that summer, Deeney put pen to paper on a two year deal with the Blues.

That means that that the forward’s deal is due to expire this summer, although it has been reported that there is an option for the club to extend this by a further 12 months.

If that is truly the case, the club simply have to keep the experienced forward at the club beyond the end of this summer.

Now, Deeney himself will be the first person to tell you that his first season at Blues was a struggle.

He featured just 21 times for the club, struggling with injury and as recently revealed on Ben Foster’s ‘Fozcast’, he did not quite see eye to eye with former Blues boss Lee Bowyer.

However, this season under John Eustace, the 34-year-old has been a rejuvenated figure.

Not only has he remained fit, already surpassing last season’s league tally of 21 by quite some way with 28 appearances to date, his goal record is also up, too.

In fact, given his age, his availability has been quite remarkable given the gruelling nature of a 46 game Championship season.

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Footballing wise, he has shown he still has plenty to offer moving forwards.

Furthermore, his boss, John Eustace believes that, too, and sounds as though he would be keen for the Blues striker to extend his current stay.

Eustace recently said on Deeney’s future, via BirminghamLive: “I am sure he has got another two-three seasons in him, obviously it depends on Troy, how he feels and what he wants to do but his contribution this season has been second to none.

“I think he has still got a point to prove, he is still hungry, you can see that by his performances and we are lucky to have him.”

Perhaps most importantly of all, though, Deeney is a leader and a player that has seen most things in the game.

At this point in his career, simultaneously being able to contribute on the pitch, and behind the scenes in the Blues dressing room with some of the club’s youngsters, giving them advice and guiding them in the right direction day in, day out, is invaluable.

You simply cannot buy that experience, particularly when it is being given by a player who truly has the club at heart.

Indeed, then, for the reasons outlined above, Birmingham City simply have to active Deeney’s contract extension if indeed it is solely in their hands as reported.

As discussed, whilst still being able to contribute on the pitch, the club skipper also has a vital role to play in this Blues squad under John Eustace, be it in the dressing room, or day to day at the training ground, offering valuable experience and advice to the youngsters at the club.

Age catches up with everybody in the end, but Troy Deeney is far from done at Birmingham City Football Club.