Troy Deeney to Replace Garth Crooks

The BBC has appointed former Watford captain Troy Deeney as the new selector for its Premier League Team of the Week, succeeding Garth Crooks, who has concluded his long-standing column. Crooks, a former Stoke and Tottenham striker, has been a familiar face on BBC programs like Final Score and Match of the Day since retiring from professional football in 1990. Known for his unconventional team selections, often prioritizing forwards over midfielders, Crooks leaves behind a well-read column as Deeney steps into the role ahead of the new Premier League season. In his inaugural column, Deeney expressed his excitement about taking over from Crooks, whom he described as a "legend." He acknowledged the respect he has for Crooks' media career and noted that he has always looked up to him. Deeney, who had a successful tenure at Watford, leading the team to two promotions, transitioned to a media career after his playing days, including hosting a podcast with former England striker Jermain Defoe. Deeney humorously reflected on his experiences with Crooks' selections, recalling instances where he was placed in unconventional positions, such as being named a holding midfielder despite being a striker. He emphasized his intention to adopt a more structured approach in his selections while honoring the legacy Crooks has built. As the new season approaches, Deeney is eager to implement his own criteria for team selection and contribute to the ongoing success of the column.