Former Rangers favourite and 55 title winner lands first managerial job at 'historic club with huge potential'

Defoe, 43, spent three years at Ibrox in the twilight of his playing career, scoring 32 goals, and was part of the side that lifted the Scottish Premiership title in season 2020-21.

He also performed a player-coach role at Rangers and was part of a four-man caretaker team that took charge of the side for a short spell after Steven Gerrard's departure to Aston Villa in 2021.

The former Tottenham and England striker also had a spell as a coach in the Spurs academy but has now taken his first steps into management at National League side Woking. He has been named as the permanent successor to Neal Ardley, who was sacked earlier this month.

Defoe, who had recently been linked with a possible return to Tottenham, said: “Woking is a historic club with huge potential, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting project. I can’t wait to get started.”

Woking chairman Todd Johnson added: “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 joined by assistant coach Paul Bracewell, while interim bosses Craig Ross and Jake Hyde will continue to be part of the backroom team alongside Dale Gorman.

Ross and Hyde will take charge of Tuesday’s home league game against Altrincham.

Defoe, who also had spells at West Ham, Portsmouth and Sunderland as a player, scored 20 goals in 57 senior appearances for England.

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