Former Spurs and England star starting his managerial career in the fifth tier

Jermain Defoe is a big name in English football. He was never quite a superstar nor did he play for the very biggest clubs in the country, but he scored plenty of goals in the Premier League and made numerous appearances for the England national team.

He ended his professional career in 2022, finishing at Rangers FC, where he even briefly served as a caretaker coach. Five years later, the time has come for Defoe to truly step into management.

The former England international officially became the new manager of Woking FC yesterday, a fifth-tier side currently sitting 11th in the table. With seven matches remaining, it is unlikely that Woking will reach the playoffs, although there is still a theoretical chance.

Defoe’s arrival could certainly provide a huge motivational boost to the players, who will now be working under a man who scored 162 Premier League goals. Only nine players—true legends of English top-flight football—have scored more than him: Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Mohamed Salah, Andy Cole, Sergio Aguero, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Robbie Fowler.

The Englishman gets his first full managerial role at the age of 44. Aside from his stint at Rangers, he also worked in the academy of Tottenham Hotspur.

“Woking is a historic club with huge potential, and I’m happy to be part of this exciting project. I can’t wait to get started,” said Defoe.

In his playing CV, Defoe featured for seven clubs, including West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth, Tottenham, Portsmouth FC, Toronto FC, Sunderland AFC and Rangers.