Watford promotion: 'It was the first time I’ve cried since my Dad passed away,’ says Troy Deeney

Hornets beat Brighton to secure Premier League return

Troy Deeney became Watford’s first player to score 20 goals in three successive seasons (Getty)

Watford striker Troy Deeney reflected on the Hornets' promotion to the Premier League by saying it was the first time he has cried since his father's death.

The powerful striker netted his 21st goal of the season as Watford dispatched Brighton and Hove Albion to secure their place in the top flight.

The players and management faced an anxious wait for other results and Deeney revealed he and his team-mates were completely taken by surprise with the news.

“Honestly, we were just chilling out,” the striker told talkSPORT.

Troy Deeney

“You know how it is at the back of the bus, we were just playing music and some of the lads were playing cards. We weren’t really looking at the results, more just the media stuff on TV.

“But then literally as we were pulling in to the training ground all the results came on and you can imagine it all went a bit mental after that.

“It was definitely emotional. I haven’t cried since my old man died [his father lost a battle with cancer in 2012] but I was definitely crying today.”