The predatory Premier League striker has been looking to move into management - and has landed a leftfield National League role.
Former Pompey striker Jermain Defoe has raised eyebrows with his first managerial appointment - at National League outfit Woking.
Leftfield appointment for former Pompey striker
Defoe has been looking to move into management, after working at academy level with Spurs following his retirement from the game in 2022.
And it’s Woking who are providing the 43-year-old with the opportunity to showcase what he has to offer, at a club he feels has ability to progress.
The appointment of Defoe sees him replace interim head coach Craig Ross, who has rejuvenated the club’s fortunes with four wins, three draws and a defeat after replacing Ardley.
That sees Woking comfortably sat 11th in the National League table, with the former England international seen as the man to continue that progress.
Woking chairman Todd Johnson added: ‘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.
Jermain Defore in his Pompey days.placeholder image
Jermain Defore in his Pompey days. | Getty Images
‘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.’
Defoe continues strong Pompey ties at Woking
Defoe spent a year at Fratton Park, after a £7.5m arrival from Spurs at the close of the January window in 2008 which went to the deadline wire.
He showcased his predatory finishing which marked him out as one of the game’s outstanding marksmen, bagging 17 goals from 36 appearances before returning to White Hart Lane the following year under Harry Redknapp.
Defoe continues the Pompey ties at Woking, with former Blues coach Simon Bassey part of the coaching set-up at the club under Ardley.
They joined the club when it was sat 19th in the table and helped improve their fortunes, as they sat four points off the play-offs at the end of last year. Two wins from mid-December saw Woking plummet and the club’s hierarchy act this month.
League Two title-winning skipper Michael Doyle was previously in charge at Kingfield Stadium for a year until December 2024, before returning to PO4 as first-team coach last August.
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