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05th Dec 2016

Troy Deeney’s MOTD2 appearance brings back memories of his colourful early career

A different path to the top.

Tom Victor

Watford striker Troy Deeney was the current Premier League player chosen as the guest pundit for Sunday’s ‘Match of the Day 2’, and he certainly made an impression.

The 28-year-old took aim at Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo after the Argentine’s dangerous challenge on Idrissa Gueye, suggesting Rojo was “afraid of getting hurt”.

He also passed judgement on the decline of champions Leicester City and Liverpool’s performance in their 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth, and was given some praise for his straight-talking punditry.

https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/805550841411366912

Deeney’s rejection of what’s expected of pundits might have served him well in front of the TV cameras, but it also proved to be his downfall earlier in his career.

At least one Twitter user took the opportunity to remind us of the forward’s Wikipedia page, or specifically the section about his early career.

If you’re wondering why a future Premier League goalscorer spent his first professional season on loan at non-league Halesowen Town, this little vignette provides you with all the background you need.

Oh, and if you’re sceptical of using Wikipedia as a source, you’ll be pleased to know that the entry is backed up by these quotes in The Guardian, where the Birmingham-born player sheds more light on being “always more interested in chasing girls at the park” than chasing his football dream as a teenager.

Catch up with this week’s episode of Football Friday Live