Jermain Defoe has been unveiled as the new manager of Woking Football Club. He watched Woking's 1-1 National League draw against Altrincham from the stands before formally taking over as manager. Defoe's appointment marks his first managerial role after a distinguished playing career and coaching stints.
Defoe brings significant credentials from his playing days, having made 496 Premier League appearances and scored 20 international goals for England. His playing career included stints at West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Sunderland. Transitioning to coaching, he served as a player-coach at Rangers in his final season and was part of an interim coaching unit there in 2021.
It has always been the plan.
After retiring from playing in 2022, he returned to Tottenham Hotspur as an academy coach. Woking is a fifth-tier club in the English football pyramid. The club operates at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, which has an average attendance of just over 2,500.
In their recent match, Woking drew 1-1 at home against Altrincham in the National League. Altrincham is a mid-table National League team. Eastleigh is a relegation-threatened National League team.
Towards the back end of my career I knew I wanted to go into coaching.
During his unveiling, Defoe mentioned that he has sought advice from Sam Allardyce, Harry Redknapp, and Robbie Keane about managing in non-league football. Defoe's mother has always advised him to be grateful for every opportunity. Defoe's extensive Premier League experience and international goal-scoring record are expected to benefit Woking as he steps into his first managerial position.
His coaching background at Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur provides him with practical insights into player development and team management. Woking's recent draw against Altrincham highlights the competitive nature of the National League, where mid-table teams like Altrincham and relegation-threatened sides like Eastleigh pose challenges. Defoe's preparation for this role includes consulting with experienced football figures, reflecting his commitment to adapting to non-league football.
My mum has always said to me in life you’ve got to be grateful for every opportunity you get.
His personal philosophy, influenced by his mother's advice, emphasizes gratitude and seizing opportunities in his new managerial journey.
It’s no different to when you’re a player. When I was a 16-year-old in the West Ham youth team, you had to earn your stripes and do your apprenticeship. Just because I’ve had a good career, I can’t just expect to get that big job.
At the end of the day, it’s a pitch with two goals,