Jermain Defoe excited by ‘gamble’ of Woking project | OneFootball

Jermain Defoe has said his first venture into management with Woking is a gamble but is excited by the project.

The former Premier League star has taken the reins at fifth-tier Woking in his first managerial role.

Defoe has earned coaching experience at Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur but now leads a side from a senior position. It will be the first time Defoe has been involved in non-league football but a challenge he is ready to embrace.

“I know there’s been a lot of noise around it,” Defoe said about his appointment.

“There’s been some unbelievable messages from players that I’ve played with, current players and managers and people in the game, which is a nice feeling. But the fact of the matter is, you’ve got to win football matches.

“I’m going to need help as well. You come in to help a group of players get better and to win games, but a manager also needs help as well.

“I’ve never played at this level. I know people who have. I’ve got a lot of friends in the game that have played at this level, who I’ve had conversations with recently. I’ve worked with coaches who have played at this level, that I’ve had conversations with.

“When you love football, when this opportunity came about, it was an easy decision. This is the one that really stood out for me in terms of the project.

“If you speak to any manager, regardless of the league and the standard, it’s always going to be a gamble.”

Read – Noughties Nines: A striker’s striker, Jermain Defoe

See more – 90s Hitmen: Teddy Sheringham, a forward of enduring excellence

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube