Sport Nation 2Troy Deeney, a name synonymous with Watford’s Premier League history, recently opened up about why he turned down an offer to join Celtic in 2021, opting instead for a move to Birmingham City. His decision, made at the age of 34, highlights how priorities in a player’s career can shift, especially when family and life off the pitch take precedence.
Deeney’s career had been built at Watford, where he spent over a decade, rising from the lower leagues to the Premier League. Despite not playing for one of England’s “top” clubs, he became a club legend, known for his leadership, work ethic, and crucial goals. However, by 2021, with his playing days winding down, Deeney sought a change, leaving Watford and eventually joining Birmingham City.
The Celtic Offer
While Deeney’s eventual move to Birmingham City was significant, what caught attention was his admission that he had multiple offers on the table, including one from Celtic, a club with a storied history and a chance for silverware in one of Europe’s more prestigious leagues.
In an interview with the Under The Cosh podcast, Deeney shared the details of these offers. Celtic, under then-manager Ange Postecoglou, had shown interest in bringing him to Parkhead. They were in need of experience in attack, and Deeney, with his years of Premier League know-how, seemed like a perfect fit. However, Deeney’s decision wasn’t about the allure of trophies or financial gain.
According to Deeney, the financial package offered by Celtic was generous. “Those teams I’ve just mentioned offered me nearly 40K a week,” he revealed, referring to both Celtic and Middlesbrough, who had also shown interest. But despite the attractive salary, he chose to sign with Birmingham for a significantly lower wage of £12,000 a week. The reason for this decision? Family.
Family Over Football
At 34 years old, Deeney was entering the final stages of his career, and his priorities had shifted. “Oldest boy, he finishes this year, so he’s at that point where he needs me, becoming a man now. The girls need me,” Deeney explained. His children, particularly his eldest son, were at a critical stage in their lives, and Deeney felt that being closer to home was more important than the potential for more money or playing in Europe.
The decision was deeply personal. Deeney made it clear that, for him, family came first. Moving to Scotland, he felt, would take him too far from his loved ones at a time when they needed him most. The financial rewards, while appealing, were not enough to outweigh the importance of being present for his children.
Celtic’s Transfer Strategy
While Deeney’s move to Celtic never materialized, the club did make some significant signings in the summer of 2021. Instead of Deeney, Celtic brought in two new strikers: Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis. Both players proved to be excellent acquisitions, helping the team achieve domestic success.
Kyogo, in particular, quickly became a key figure in the team, playing a central role in the Ange Postecoglou revolution at Celtic Park. The Japanese forward’s energy and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the squad’s success. Meanwhile, Giakoumakis, though less established at Celtic, also contributed with important goals during his time in Glasgow, helping the club to win a domestic double in his first season.
While Deeney’s potential move to Celtic may have seemed like a good fit, Celtic’s eventual choices worked out well for the team. Postecoglou’s tactical setup demanded mobility, pace, and clinical finishing from his forwards—attributes that both Kyogo and Giakoumakis brought to the table. Deeney, a more traditional target man with years of experience in England, may have offered different qualities, but the club’s decision to go in another direction ultimately paid dividends.
Deeney’s Legacy at Watford and Beyond
Troy Deeney’s impact at Watford cannot be overstated. He was the captain of the club for several years and led them through some of their most successful seasons, including their promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and their survival in the top flight for several years. Known for his powerful personality on and off the field, Deeney became a symbol of Watford’s fighting spirit.
Deeney’s departure from Watford in 2021 marked the end of an era for the club. His subsequent move to Birmingham City signaled a new chapter in his career, one that would see him continue playing in the Championship, albeit for a club that was rebuilding. His decision to join Birmingham also allowed him to stay closer to his family in the Midlands, offering him a more stable and comfortable life off the pitch.
His journey also served as a reminder that, for many players, the allure of top-tier football and lucrative contracts is often tempered by personal considerations. Deeney’s choice was a reflection of the evolving nature of football careers, where players often prioritize family, stability, and quality of life as they approach the twilight years of their playing days.
Conclusion
Troy Deeney’s decision to turn down a move to Celtic and instead join Birmingham City was rooted in a desire to be closer to his family. While the financial rewards and potential for silverware were tempting, Deeney placed more value on being present for his children during a pivotal time in their lives. In the end, his choice underscores the importance of family in the lives of professional athletes, a reminder that, beyond the game, the people who matter most are often at home.
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