Troy Deeney Talks Watford Worries and Wayne Rooney's Last Chance at Plymouth

Worries Mount for Watford Ahead of Championship Campaign

Troy Deeney has expressed serious concerns for his former club, Watford FC, as they prepare to embark on a new season in the Championship. The sentiment comes after a disappointing 15th place finish last season, marking the club's first exit from the top half of the league since 2014. With head coach Tom Cleverley entering the new season with significant challenges ahead, Deeney's apprehensions resonate with many fans.

Tom Cleverley Faces Tough Start

After officially taking charge in April, Cleverley faces an uphill task to turn Watford's fortunes around. His time was marked by a 1-0 victory over Sunderland that stopped a six-game winless streak but was followed by a troubling loss to Middlesbrough, leaving them precariously positioned above the relegation zone.

Pre-Season Concerns for Watford Fans

The discontent among Watford supporters grew during a lackluster pre-season, highlighted by a 2-0 loss against League Two side Gillingham and further defeats to Reading and Wycombe. Deeney voiced his worries, stating that Cleverley is entering the season with "one hand tied behind his back" due to financial constraints facing the club.

Transitioning Squad and Key Departures

Watford has seen several pivotal players leave, with Ismael Kone leaving for French side Marseille, raising concerns about the squad's depth and quality. Deeney noted that Cleverley might not have enough experienced players to rely on, especially with potential exits looming.

Gaps in the Squad

"I don't think he's got enough goals in the team at the moment," Deeney expressed. The former captain worries that losing seasoned players might risk the club's hopes of competing in a challenging league and might force Cleverley to depend on young, inexperienced talent.

Spotlight on Tom Dele-Bashiru

Despite the worries, Deeney believes there’s a diamond in the rough at Watford: Tom Dele-Bashiru. He stated, "This has to be his year to take it on and stay injury-free... He's got all of the pieces [to be a standout player]." With Dele-Bashiru’s potential, Watford fans are looking for a standout performance to lift spirits in the upcoming season.

Wayne Rooney's Surprising New Role at Plymouth

In another part of the footballing world, Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new head coach of Plymouth Argyle. Although Rooney's management career has been rocky, Deeney urges fans not to dismiss the former striker's capabilities. This role marks Rooney's fourth managerial position following a tumultuous stint at Birmingham and a challenging period at Derby County.

Overcoming Criticism

Deeney argued that Rooney’s early management challenges should be viewed in context. He noted that the situations at Derby and Birmingham were complex and not solely a reflection of Rooney's skills. "It's quick and easy to write him off," Deeney warned, suggesting that Plymouth could provide a supportive environment for Rooney to thrive.

Building on Existing Strengths

Plymouth's existing squad already exhibits good footballing fundamentals, giving Rooney the opportunity to build on their strengths while implementing his style of play. As Deeney believes this may be Rooney's chance to prove himself, he emphasized, "If he fails this one, then you can say he's not good enough."

Looking Ahead

As the new season approaches, both Watford and Plymouth Argyle face distinct challenges that could shape the future of these clubs. Watford fans are eager for a turnaround, while Plymouth supporters hope Rooney can forge a new path forward. With significant changes afoot, the upcoming Championship season promises to be full of intrigue and excitement.

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