- Former Watford striker Troy Deeney is the new host of BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week
- The 35-year-old replaces former Stoke and Tottenham forward Garth Crooks
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has been announced as the new host of BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week.
The former Watford captain will take the place of Garth Crooks, putting an end to the former Stoke and Tottenham forwards long-running role with the BBC.
The 66-year-old became best known for his wild picks each week, sparking controversy and debate when he would load his team up with forwards and midfielders, often putting players out of position to the dismay of many football fans.
That being said although the Englishman had a unique outlook and some of his team of the week’s were rather outlandish, his column was believed to be well read.
Deeney who is making his way into punditry following an unsuccessful spell in his player-manager role with Forest Green Rovers will step into the role and it seems the majority of fans aren’t happy about his new career venture.
Troy Deeney has been announced as the new host of BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week
The 35-year-old is replacing former Stoke and Tottenham forward Garth Crooks
Deeney has returned to the media world after an unsuccessful spell in his role with Forest Green Rovers as player-manager
One fan after hearing the news wrote ‘The worst news to wake up to. Crying. Heartbroken. Speechless.’
Whilst a second ‘X’ user commented ‘BBC downgrading massively!’.
When it was first announced Crooks would be leaving his role, fans were happy to hear of his departure.
However it seems that many are now wishing he stayed as they are all saying in unison that they didn’t think it could get worse but they were proven wrong.
Reacting to Deeney’s recent appointment one fan said ‘Didn’t think it was even possible to downgrade, but how wrong I was.’
Whilst another user echoed the same sentiment writing ‘How have you brought some in who’s WORSE than Garth Crooks??’
‘from bad to worse’ a third added.
As a fourth ‘X’ user posted ‘Didn’t think it could get even worse, but here we are..’
With one fan believing they ‘could have found better in the pub.’
That being said, many fans were delighted to see his name associated with the new role.
One user commented on the announcement post ‘Thank god for that.’
A second adding ‘That’s great news’.
‘Not Deeney’s biggest fan but so so so pleased!!’ a third said, whilst a fourth stated that his selection is ‘Fantastic news!!!!!!’
This isn’t the 35-year-olds first time stepping into the media hemisphere as he has already hosted a podcast alongside former England striker Jermain Defoe for the BBC last season.
Speaking about his new role in his opening column Deeney said ‘I’m delighted to tell you that I am taking over from the legend that is Garth Crooks to select BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week every weekend, and it is a great honour to get to fill his shoes’
‘I’ve always had massive respect for Garth for his amazing career in the media after his playing days ended and, as someone who is following in his footsteps now, I’ve always looked up to him.
‘I also really admire his approach because, when he has an opinion, he is not afraid to say it and he is always able to back it up – yet he never comes across as someone who is trying to be controversial just to get likes or views on social media or anywhere else.’
