Troy Deeney to make pro debut in completely different sport to football as 'wild card' announced

Former Watford and Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney is making his professional debut in a completely different sport.

The 35-year-old was most recently player-manager at Forest Green Rovers but was sacked after just 29 days having failed to win any of his six games at the helm.

The ex Hornets skipper has been spending time doing punditry but in a shock switch, it was announced on Tuesday morning that he is entering the UK Open Pool Championship.

The World Nineball Tour Ranking event takes place at Telford International Centre between May 7 and May 14 and Deeney will be present as a wildcard entry.

Commenting on the news, he said: "I am absolutely buzzing to play at the UK Open Pool Championship.

"I always fancied myself on the table at the training ground with the boys so when this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance to put myself to the test against some of the world's top players and can't wait to compete on 7th May."

Image: Matchroom

The tournament will serve as the first Matchroom major event of the year and will be broadcasted on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, as well as DAZN in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Troy Deeney to the UK Pool Open as a wild card player," Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport said.

“His presence will undoubtedly heighten the excitement and competitiveness of this iconic World Nineball Tour event.”

The World Nineball Tour, a new initiative introduced in pool by Matchroom chief Barry Hearn, includes more than 40 ranking events and a minimum prize fund of $5 million.

In football, Deeney has 706 professional appearances to his name and scored 217 goals.