Troy joins Blues, could make debut against the Rams
TROY Deeney has signed a two-year deal with boyhood club Birmingham City following his emotional exit from Watford.
The 33-year-old striker spoke of his sadness and pride after confirmation that his 11-year spell with the Hornets had come to an end.
His contract had been due to expire at the end of the season but he departed as a free agent and was swiftly unveiled by Birmingham, subject to League clearance.
The Blues’ next game is at home to Derby County in the Championship on Friday, September 10, after the international break.
And the lifelong Blues fan was keen to point out the move was “not a swansong” as he embarked on his “biggest task to date”.
He told the Blues’ website: “Everyone knows that this is my team, I’ve made that clear in the past but if I was going to join Blues it had to be right for all parties.
“I believe in the existing project here and, having spoken to the gaffer (Lee Bowyer) and Craig (Gardner, technical director), can clearly visualise my role in the squad.
“There is an added pressure playing for the club you support, carrying that greater weight of expectation. But pressure is what I thrive on, it’s what I have dealt with throughout my career, proving people wrong and silencing the naysayers. But I am very aware this is my biggest task to date.
“Now it is time to do that once again. This is not a swansong. This is my next chapter and it is time to work.”
Speaking in a video message posted by the Hornets and the player himself on social media, Deeney earlier outlined his mixed emotions at leaving Vicarage Road.
He said: “It’s weird being asked to express my feelings for Watford and the emotions attached to leaving this wonderful place.
“I feel sadness and a loss similar to losing a family member.
“I feel excitement about my new journey and what’s to come in the future.
“Most of all I feel tremendous pride at what I’ve achieved over the last 12 years and the friendships and connections we’ve made – the people, staff, fans.”
Deeney joined Watford from
Walsall in 2010 and went on to make 419 appearances and score 140 goals for the club, twice captaining them to promotion from the Championship.
MIDDLESBROUGH signed Slovenia striker Andraz Sporar from Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan.
The 27-year-old moved to Sporting in January 2020 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Braga. He scored 34 goals in 36 games to help Slovan Bratislava win the Slovakian title in 2019 and was the league’s top scorer for two successive seasons.
SHEFFIELD United signed Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane on loan for the rest of the season.
The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made more than 150 appearances for Villa since joining them from Barnsley in 2017.
He spent the second half of last season on loan with Swansea City and played in their play-off defeat by Brentford.
NOTTINGHAM Forest defender Jordan Gabriel joined Blackpool for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with the Seasiders as they won promotion to the Championship.