The great and the good were out in force on Wednesday night as Watford talisman Troy Deeney officially launched his charitable foundation with a gala dinner.

READ MORE: Troy Deeney hosts first foundation gala dinner

While Deeney may have had a turbulent past - one he will be the first to admit to - the extent to which he has turned a corner is nothing short of miraculous.

Although his performances on the pitch have not been as consistent this season as last, his work off it is worthy of much praise.

And you only need to look back four years to his period of incarceration to see just how much the man has matured. 

Thanks to a programme of fundraising spearheaded by Deeney, a brand new £40,000 sports facility will be built at a specialist school for children with learning difficulties.

Watford is a family club and it is gestures like this which will endear it to the next generation.