Jermain Defoe named head coach of National League side Woking

Jermain Defoe has been named as the new head coach of National League side Woking.

His appointment comes after the club dismissed former Wimbledon midfielder Neal Ardley earlier this month and is the 43-year-old’s first permanent role as a club manager.

The former Spurs striker has previous experience working in Tottenham’s academy as well as on the interim coaching staff at Rangers in 2021.

Woking’s own interim coach, Craig Ross, will lead the club for Tuesday’s match against Altrincham before Defoe takes over the full-time role. Ross has overseen four wins, three draws and one defeat in his eight matches in charge so Defoe will pick up a team in good form.

Woking’s club chairman Todd Johnson said: “Jermain’s achievements as a player speak for themselves, but what stood out to us during the process was how he sees the game, how he drives standards, and his approach to leadership and player development.

“We have a clear plan for where we want to go as a club, and we believe Jermain is the right person to build on the strong foundations already in place and help take us forward in the next phase of that journey.”

Defoe will be assisted by former Fulham and Halifax manager Paul Bracewell, with Ross and Jake Hyde remaining on the club’s coaching staff.

Defoe scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances and won 57 England caps, representing his country at the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. He retired from playing in 2022 and began to work on his coaching badges.

He earned his Uefa A-licence while working in the Spurs academy for two years but left his former club in the summer of 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial role.

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