Troy Deeney's Concerns for Watford and Wayne Rooney's Last Chance at Plymouth

Troy Deeney Expresses Concerns for Watford Ahead of Championship Season

Former Watford captain, Troy Deeney, has recently voiced his apprehension regarding his old club's prospects for the upcoming Championship campaign. According to Deeney, head coach Tom Cleverley is facing significant challenges, entering the new season with 'one hand tied behind his back'.

Watford's Recent Performance and Current State

Last season marked a turning point for Watford as they finished in 15th place in the Championship. This was the club's first finish in the bottom half of the standings since 2014, raising alarm bells among the fanbase.

Cleverley, who took full-time charge of the club in April after a brief interim period, has been tasked with reviving Watford's fortunes. Under his leadership, the team managed to break a six-game winless run with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunderland, but they concluded the season on a low note with a loss to Middlesbrough, finishing only six points above relegated Birmingham City.

Concerns Among the Fanbase

Unsettling pre-season performances have intensified anxieties among Watford fans, highlighted by a disappointing 2-0 defeat to League Two side Gillingham, alongside losses to Reading and Wycombe.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Deeney remarked, "I'm nervous for him {Cleverley}. Not because he's not good enough, because he's proved he's good enough and he knows his stuff. But I think Watford are in a huge transition at the moment in regards to the amount of finances that are available."

Key Departures and Challenges Ahead

The situation has been complicated by significant player departures, notably Ismael Kone’s transfer to Marseille. The potential for further exits adds pressure on Cleverley before the season even begins.

Deeney summarized the challenges: "I don't think he's got enough goals in the team at the moment. He could be losing big personalities, big characters, and probably your better quality players and having to do it with young kids."

Potential Stars in the Making

Despite the struggles, Deeney sees potential within the squad. He identifies Tom Dele-Bashiru as a "diamond in the rough," emphasizing the need for the young player to remain injury-free this season. "He's got all of the pieces to be a standout player," Deeney affirmed.

Wayne Rooney's Appointment at Plymouth

In related news, Wayne Rooney's appointment as the new head coach of Plymouth has raised eyebrows. Following a challenging stint at Birmingham, where Rooney's team was relegated, many are questioning his capability in this new role.

Deeney highlighted the challenges Rooney has faced: "He isn't getting these jobs because his name is Wayne Rooney. He was tasked with changing a team that was overperforming and had little time to implement his strategies."

The Pressure Is on Rooney

However, Deeney advised caution against prematurely writing off Rooney. "This should be the one. If he fails this one, then you can say he's not good enough," he commented, indicating that this opportunity may be pivotal for Rooney’s coaching career.

Conclusion

As both Watford and Plymouth embark on their respective seasons, the situations of Tom Cleverley and Wayne Rooney will be closely scrutinized. Fans from both clubs will be hoping for resilience, improved performances, and the emergence of new stars as the Championship season unfolds.