"In his prime" - Troy Deeney named in Watford FC player return debate | OneFootball

FLW's Watford fan pundit has picked which former player he'd love to have back in the side today

Watford have made a positive start to the new Championship season.

Tom Cleverley’s side were tipped by many to be in the mix for a relegation battle before the campaign got underway.

However, they have earned their place in the conversation for the play-offs in the early stages of the term instead.

The Hornets will be hoping to keep that form up into the second half of the season, as they look to challenge for a place back in the Premier League.

Cleverley will be wishing he could bring a former player back into the side in order to help with that ambition, potentially even one he played alongside at Vicarage Road.

Troy Deeney return claim

When asked which former player would he love to bring back to the club in his prime, FLW’s Watford fan pundit Justin Beattie named Troy Deeney.

He believes the forward would bring exactly what this team needs for them to be able to compete for promotion to the top flight.

“At the moment, we need an all-around forward/striker that can net 20 goals a season,” Beattie told Football League World.

“Admittedly, Vakoun Bayo seems to be finding form now and is scoring goals, and hopefully he will be able to continue to do so and become that player.

“But having another one as well in case of any injuries or suspensions would be helpful.

“It sounds like a cliché, but I would love to see Troy Deeney back in his prime leading the frontline at Watford.

“Someone not afraid to get hurt, someone who can knock balls down for others after he’s won them, someone who just instinctively knows where the back of the net is, and how to strike the balls towards it.

“I think if I could bring one former player back it would be Troy Deeney in his prime.”

Troy Deeney’s impact at Watford

Deeney was a massively influential figure during his time at Watford, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League twice.

He scored 47 goals in the top flight across six seasons, with the Hornets earning a high of 11th place in 2019.

Deeney joined the club from Walsall in the summer of 2010, and departed in 2021, enjoying a successful 11-year stint.

The striker made 389 league appearances for Watford in that time.

Troy Deeney in his prime would be a great addition to any Championship side

Deeney proved himself as a Premier League calibre player in his prime, something Watford fans got to enjoy to the full extent.

He was loyal to the Hornets and gave the club absolutely everything during that time.

Having someone like him in the team now would be huge, and could be the difference between finishing eighth or ninth, and earning promotion to the Premier League.

Any side in the Championship would love to have someone of his ability, and he is a standout former player that most supporters would want back in the team.