Jermain Defoe has been retired from football since 2022 but the former England star has now taken his first steps into management with non-league side Woking
Jermain Defoe
Woking have appointed Jermain Defoe as their new manager
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Image: Getty Images)
Former England and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has been appointed as Woking boss in a surprise move.
A statement from the non-league on Sunday side read: "Woking 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 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."
Club 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.”
Meanwhile, Defoe added: “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.”
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
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