Ex-Sunderland star Jermain Defoe admits 'gamble' after taking Woking job | OneFootball

Jermain Defoe has been appointed Woking manager and says starting his senior dugout career is a gamble.

Sunderland Echo notes the 43-year-old was unveiled earlier this week as Neal Ardley’s successor at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. He takes over a side sitting 10th in the National League, 11 points off the play-offs with six matches remaining.

While promotion may prove a step too far this season, his wider aim is to take Woking into the Football League for the first time in their 139-year history.

Before arriving in Surrey, Defoe served in Rangers’ backroom on an interim basis in 2021 and worked in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, which he left in 2024 to pursue full-time management.

He accepts any move into management carries risk, regardless of level, but stressed the need to stay positive, back himself and avoid negativity. He also believes this group will be successful.

Defoe added that a prolific playing career, 305 goals in 763 club games and 20 in 57 for England, offers no guarantees. He does not expect to walk into a top job, saying he has waited, completed his courses, put in the hours and now intends to enjoy the opportunity.

Source: Sunderland Echo