Former footballer Troy Deeney hopes his wildcard entry into the UK Open Pool Championship can assist “push the game ahead”.
Deeney performed within the Premier League with Watford and later had a spell at boyhood membership Birmingham earlier than a quick stint in teaching at Sky Wager League Two membership Forest Inexperienced, the place he was sacked after simply six matches in cost having taken over following the dismissal of David Horseman.
The 35-year-old is about to change his focus to the pool desk when the UK Open occasion begins in Telford on Could 7.
Former Premier League striker and Soccer League legend Troy Deeney will swap the pitch for the desk on the #UKOpenPool Championship!
Discover out extra right here https://t.co/D81ar17eE6 pic.twitter.com/ILqzy7uEWK
— Matchroom Pool (@MatchroomPool) April 16, 2024
Deeney hopes his participation can play a component in elevating the game’s profile.
“It’s one thing completely different, isn’t it? One thing utterly new,” Deeney informed Sky Sports activities. “I identical to pushing the boundaries a bit of bit, and seeing the way it goes.
“I’ve at all times acquired fond respect for any athlete in any occupation. To do what they do takes hours and years of follow and dedication, so why not strive my hand at it when the chance has come round?”
Deeney, although, is just not anticipating to be an instantaneous success.
“The goal is to go there and never embarrass myself to be trustworthy, but in addition be humble sufficient and weak sufficient to know these guys have been doing it for years,” he stated.
“You’ll be able to’t simply put just a few months’ value of real coaching into it and quite a lot of years of wierd taking part in – generally with a beer in hand as properly – and anticipate to beat these guys.
“However I do know as quickly as I’m concerned in something, my aggressive edge will come flowing via anyhow. I’ll give it a very good go.
“My finish purpose for that is to push the game ahead as a lot as I probably can.”