Jermain Defoe has begun his managerial career at National League side Woking, describing the opportunity as 'a long time coming'. The former England striker, 41, was appointed head coach on Thursday, replacing Neal Ardley at the club that has never reached the Football League in its 139-year history.
Defoe, who scored over 300 goals in a 23-year playing career, spent two years coaching in Tottenham's academy before leaving in July 2024 after being told there was no first-team role under Ange Postecoglou. He said he never considered giving up on his ambition to become a manager, despite having to wait almost two years for his first head coach role.
'I've had loads of conversations with clubs, so it was always getting close,' Defoe said. 'I knew it would come at some point. But in football, you just never know what's around the corner.' He acknowledged the need to 'earn your stripes' and said he could not expect to jump straight into a top job despite his playing career.
Defoe is only the fifth black manager or head coach in English football's top five divisions, a statistic he hopes will improve. 'I'm so grateful for the opportunity but I'd like to think going forward that other black managers will get them, too,' he said.
His first game in charge will be at home against Eastleigh on Good Friday. Defoe said promotion is the target next season, and he will lean on the experience of assistant Paul Bracewell, a former Everton midfielder. He also revealed that former managers Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp have been in touch since his appointment.
