Troy Deeney handed touchline ban and hefty fine after recent behaviour at Forest Green Rovers

Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been handed a touchline ban and a hefty fine.

The former Watford striker has made headlines since taking the reins at Forest Green, having slammed his players in the press on several occasions.

The 35-year-old became manager back in December upon David Horseman’s dismissal but has been unable to transform the club’s fortunes, picking up just three points in six games.

And towards the end of Forest Green’s 2-1 loss against Swindon, Deeney was sent off from his dugout by referee Scott Simpson for using "improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening" language.

Deeney has now been charged by the FA, fined £1,500 and will face a four-game ban, meaning he will miss his side’s matches against Gillingham, Colchester, Accrington and Mansfield.

An FA Regulation and Discipline update read: “Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been banned from the touchline for four matches and fined £1,500 following the EFL League Two fixture against Swindon Town on Friday 29 December 2023.

“It was alleged that during the 85th minute of the fixture, his behaviour and language leading to his dismissal was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening. It was further alleged that following his dismissal, his language towards a match official was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting.

“The charges were found proven and the sanctions were imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission.”

Deeney picked up an encouraging point in his opening match in charge of the Gills, but in the five matches since his side have conceded 11 goals and lost to Newport, Swindon and Harrogate Town.

After a draw to fellow strugglers Salford, Deeney picked out his players for criticism despite taking the blame for the result.

Then, after defeat to Harrogate, he publicly targeted midfielder Fankaty Dabo while pledging to make changes “from top to bottom” at the club, insisting there were “too many babies” in his squad.