Former Sunderland favourite Jermain Defoe will take charge of National League club Woking for the first time this weekend.
Jermain Defoe has explained which former Sunderland manager he will look to replicate as he prepares to take charge of National League club Woking for the first time this weekend.
The former Black Cats striker was a popular figure throughout two separate spells on Wearside and scored a number of iconic goals including a stunning volley in a Wear-Tyne derby win against Newcastle United. Defoe worked under a number of different managers during his time at the Stadium of Light - but it appears Sam Allardyce was the standout name for the new Cards manager.
The veteran boss was in charge of the Black Cats as they mounted a successful bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League in 2016 before being tempted away by what would become an ill-fated and short spell as England manager. However, Allardyce clearly made an impact on Defoe as he revealed the message he had received from his former manager as he prepares for his own managerial career.
“Just good luck,” he replied when asked what message he had received from the former Black Cats boss. “I’ve always kept in contact with him and he’s someone who I loved playing for. Away from the coaching and the day-to-day on the pitch, he was someone that was always approachable. There were times when you could knock on his door and you could speak to him about stuff away from football, which was nice. Someone who had an effect on everyone in the building because of how he was as a person. Harry (Redknapp) was the same, Gareth (Southgate) was the same and he is someone that managed to get the best out of his players. He gave players freedom to express themselves. Of course, there has to be a tactical element, but at the same time, the manager has to show that trust in the players.”
Experience
Paul Bracewell will work as Jermaine Defoe's assistant manager at Woking (photo Getty Images)placeholder image
Paul Bracewell will work as Jermaine Defoe's assistant manager at Woking (photo Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another former Sunderland favourite has joined Defoe at the National League club after he named Paul Bracewell as his assistant manager and he will be able to fall back on his experience as he embarks on life in the dugout for the first time. The former Black Cats midfielder had three separate spells on Wearside and enjoyed successful stints with Everton and Newcastle United throughout an impressive playing career. Bracewell also went into management with spells in charge of Fulham and FC Halifax Town, as well as serving under several Sunderland managers during a four-year spell on the coaching staff at the Stadium of Light.
Asked about the appointment, Defoe said: “Brace is someone who is respected within the game and I know the importance of having someone with that experience, someone that is going to help me. I think in-game management is important for any manager. It’s my first job, I’m going to need help. He is someone I’ve known for a long time. He was with Sam Allardyce at Sunderland, David Moyes, Dick Advocaat. We were with each other at the academy at Tottenham. Like I said, well respected in the game, he had an unbelievable career. He keeps reminding me of the trophies he has won. He’s a top coach and I think the boys will love having him around. His knowledge, 35 years in the game, it’s priceless.”
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