Rangers hero 'set' to join EFL strugglers in new role as football return imminent after four-month hiatus
Former West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland man left his first managerial post in July
Rangers icon Jermain Defoe is reportedly ‘set’ for another coaching role, just four months after he left his first managerial post at Woking.
The 44-year old took charge of the National League side in March this year but only lasted 116 days in the hot seat, claiming ‘circumstances made it impossible to continue’. Four months on from his exit, the former Sunderland, West Ham and Tottenham striker is now gearing up for a new challenge.
EFL League One side Bromley parted company with manager Andy Woodman last month, bringing to an end his five-and-a-half year stay at the club, in which he won two promotions. However, the club currently sit rock bottom of the third tier, with only nine points in 13 matches.
Defoe ‘set’ for new assistant role
According to the Telegraph, former MK Dons and Oxford United gaffer Karl Robinson is ‘expected’ to be announced as the new Bromley boss, with Defoe ‘set’ to become his assistant. If successful, it will be Defoe’s first role out of the limelight since he took on the Tottenham Under-18s job shortly after hanging up his boots in 2022. His old England international teammate Ashley Cole has also been considered for the Bromley role.
In Robinson, Defoe would be working under an experienced campaigner, who earned MK Dons promotion to the Championship in 2015 and masterminded their iconic 4-0 League Cup victory over Manchester United the same season.
Why did Defoe leave Woking?
As relations strained between the Ibrox hero and Woking Director of Football, they parted ways in July. Defoe released a statement via Instagram, which read: “Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to leave my position as manager of Woking FC. Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position.
“I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special. I would like to thank Todd Johnson for giving me the opportunity to manage the club. I am incredibly grateful to the supporters and, most importantly, the players, who I am genuinely gutted for. The group is a fantastic one, and I wish the squad every success for the season ahead.
“Really disappointed the journey has ended so soon, but I leave with great pride in what Paul Bracewell, Karl Halabi and I were building at the club. My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career.”