FORMER Watford and Birmingham striker Troy Deeney has joined Forest Green Rovers as a player-coach.

The 35-year-old has completed his UEFA A-Licence and will support head coach David Horseman alongside assistant Louis Carey.

Deeney brings with him experienced of more than 600 games, including scoring 47 goals in the Premier League during his spell at Watford.

“It’s really exciting to be here,” said Deeney, who was a free agent after he left boyhood club Birmingham at the end of last season.

“I have always kept an eye on Forest Green anyway and have great admiration for the chairman and what the club stands for.”

Deeney added on the club’s official website: “It’s about the next 10 years, not the next 10 months. This is the start of a new journey.”

Horseman, who was appointed ahead of the start of the new campaign, feels Deeney can prove a key asset, on and off the pitch.

“We are absolutely delighted to get a player of Troy’s calibre,” said Horseman. “We know he is a proven goalscorer, but also a creator for others.

“He is very much part of our coaching team and we will do everything we can to help him on his coaching journey.”