Ex Rangers, Sunderland and Tottenham star lands shock first managerial gig with 'historic' club
The prolific former striker retired from professional football in 2022 and has now taken his first steps into management with an English National League club
Former Rangers, Sunderland and Tottenham hitman Jermain Defoe has been appointed as head coach of English National League side Woking in a surprise move.
The 57-times capped England international - now 43 - was previously part of an interim coaching staff in charge of the Light Blues back in 2021 and completed his coaching badges while working in the Spurs academy.
Having decided the hang up his boots in 2022 with Sunderland the final stop of a hugely successful 23-year playing career, Defoe scored a whopping 305 goals in 763 senior appearances plus an additional 20 goals for his country.
During his three-year stay at Ibrox, the Englishman notched 32 goals in 74 outings. After working at his former club Tottenham within the youth ranks for two years, Defoe earned his UEFA A-licence before leaving is role in 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial position.
Woking axed manager Neal Ardley earlier this month after a run of six defeats in nine matches, which saw them slide down the table to 17th and just five points above the relegation zone. Interim boss Craig Ross oversaw an upturn in results and performance, recording four wins, three draws and a defeat in his eight games in charge.
But Defoe has now been handed the reins with the club sitting in mid-table and no longer under threat of facing the dreaded drop. He will be assisted by former Fulham manager Paul Bracewell, with Ross and Jake Hyde forming the remainder of his backroom team.
Defoe thrilled to get opportunity at club with ‘huge potential’
Providing a brief comment on his appointment, Defoe told the club’s website: “Woking is a historic club with huge potential, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting project. I can’t wait to get started.”
Woking stated that Defoe was the standout candidate “following a detailed recruitment process” as they look to achieve their long term goal of becoming an established Football League side.
Chairman Todd Johnson said: “Jermain’s achievements as a player speak for themselves, but what stood out to us during the process was how he sees the game, how he drives standards, and his approach to leadership and player development.
“We have a clear plan for where we want to go as a club, and we believe Jermain is the right person to build on the strong foundations already in place and help take us forward in the next phase of that journey.”
A statement released by the club on Sunday evening read: “Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm the appointment of Jermain Defoe as the club’s new Manager.
“Defoe joins the club following a distinguished playing career at the highest levels of the game and has built coaching experience through his work within the academy structure at Tottenham Hotspur and in a player-coach role at Rangers FC as part of Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff.
“Following a detailed recruitment process, the club identified Defoe as the candidate whose values, leadership style and footballing philosophy best aligned with its long-term vision.”
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