Troy Deeney: Forest Green and transitioning into football management | Against the Odds
Breaking into the Business: Troy Deeney’s Journey into Management
In a shocking turn of events, former Watford Captain Troy Deeney has announced his first venture into management, taking up the role of Head Coach at Forest Green Rovers. This decision comes despite being discouraged from pursuing a career in coaching by numerous individuals.
A Change of Heart
Deeney reveals that he never expected to end up as a manager, but an internal voice encouraged him to take the leap. He shared, "I think if you do well and you’re winning games, no one really cares what color or creed you are." The 34-year-old is excited about the new challenge, stating, "I love the underdog story, and we’re the underdogs at the moment. I think if you’re good enough, you can’t help but get the job done."
A Lack of Representation
The conversation regarding the lack of black coaches in management has been prominent in recent times. Deeney touched upon the issue, acknowledging that he and other black coaches might be missing out on opportunities due to the limited chance to gain experience. However, he believes that preparing himself adequately will be the key to success.
"I think it’s more about making sure that we’re prepared enough," Deeney said. "People are telling me to stay away from management because it’s tough, but I think that’s probably what makes me want to do it even more."
An Uneven Playing Field
Deeney alluded to the fact that agents often have close relationships with club directors, influencing the hiring process. He stressed the importance of an objective interview process, implying that not everyone is getting jobs based solely on their merits.
"I think the interview process really needs to be done properly," he said. "Not many black coaches are getting secondary jobs straight away, but we need to be in a position where we’re starting to say, ‘What’s the process here? How many people are getting jobs because of agent alignments with directors of football?’"
A Step in the Right Direction
Troy Deeney’s decision to take up the reins at Forest Green Rovers sends a message of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he might face, Deeney remains committed to his goals, ready to prove that his experience and passion are more than enough to propel him to success.
"I think it’s about staying true to yourself and saying, ‘You know what? I’m going to give it a go.’" Deeney concluded, his words inspiring a newfound sense of hope for future generations of coaches. Will he succeed? Only time will tell, but for now, Deeney’s unwavering resolve is a shining example of the power of hard work and dedication.