Deeney ends speculation by extending Watford deal

Matt Stead

Striker Troy Deeney has ended speculation about his future by signing a new five-year contract with Watford.

The Barclays Premier League club confirmed the improved deal on Friday afternoon, which followed an earlier announcement of the signing of Belgium international Christian Kabasele.

Deeney, 28, scored 15 goals last season to help keep the Hornets in the top flight.

There had been speculation of a big-money bid from Premier League champions Leicester but following talks with the Hertfordshire club, Deeney will be remaining at Vicarage Road for the foreseeable future.

A club statement read: “Conversations have continued between Watford FC and Troy Deeney throughout the summer…. Watford FC is pleased to confirm that the result of these conversations is that Troy Deeney has signed a new five-year contract at Vicarage Road.”

Former Walsall trainee Deeney signed for Watford in the summer of 2010 and is confident the Hornets are moving in the right direction, as new manager Walter Mazzarri prepares to take over from Quique Sanchez Flores

“This club really means business and I want to be part of this,” Deeney said on www.watfordfc.com

“I have listened carefully to everything the club has had to say to me recently.

“We have talked things through in a sensible way – and it’s helped me fully deal with lots of my own thoughts.

“When you’re right in the middle of something, maybe you take it for granted how quickly things are moving forward.

“I don’t think I’ve done that; but by talking it over it’s clear that Watford isn’t ever going to settle for second-best – and that’s how I want to feel about my career so it works for me.”

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury welcomed the new deal.

He said: “It’s been important to have considered discussions.

“Views have been shared and debated and there has always been a healthy dialogue between myself, Troy and his agent.

“Making big decisions is part of the accountability that comes with running a football club, and I’m aware of that.

“But for a player it’s perhaps even more crucial, because it’s about defining the future for you and your family, both professionally and personally.

“I have total respect for the time and diligence Troy has shown in coming to the conclusion he has.”