The Peterborough United star who discovered Troy Deeney

Troy Deeney (yellow) playing for Watford against Liverpool. Photo: Adam Davy PA.

Halsall was head of youth at Walsall FC in 2006 when he took time out to go and watch a striker he’d been tipped off about playing for Midlands League side Chelmsley Town.

“My team had played in the morning and Chelmsley were playing nearby so I popped in,” Halsall recalled.

“I’d heard about this striker called Troy Deeney and it’s fair to say I was impressed. He was strong, but technically very good and he could clearly finish.

Scott Dann (right) playing for Crystal Palace. Photo: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire.

“I told Walsall we should sign him and we did. It turned out to be a decent move. The lad has had an outstanding career.”

Legend has it Deeney, who was 18 at the time, played drunk that day and still scored seven goals!

After three seasons at Walsall he moved to Watford for £500k and he remains at Vicerage Road having scored 129 goals for the club in close to 400 appearances.

And Deeney is not the only quality player to have his life positively influenced by Halsall in a coaching career that took in Notts County and Wolves as well as Walsall.

Halsall is now Head of Coaching at the West Brom Academy.

“Scott Dann (now at Crystal Palace), Anthony Gerrard and Matty Fryatt came through at Walsall under me,” Halsall added.

“There were also others like Danny Fox and Jamie Paterson (a former Posh target, now at Bristol City) who were also at Walsall.

“There’s nothing better than seeing players you have coached as youngsters go on to have strong careers.

“I’ve never regretted going into youth coaching. It’s a job I find very satisfying. I’m in charge of the other coaches at West Brom’s Academy now. It’s a very rewarding position.”

Mick’s son Joe is a midfielder with Southern League side Coleshill Town.