Jermain Defoe has taken the helm at National League club Woking, marking his first management role after years of preparation. The former Tottenham and England striker earned his UEFA A license while learning from Harry Redknapp, Gareth Southgate, and other managers. Defoe chose Woking despite interviews at several clubs, believing this project offered the right opportunity to prove his managerial credentials.

Defoe arrives with an impressive playing pedigree as the Premier League's 10th-highest scorer with 162 goals in 496 appearances. Unlike former England teammates Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney who landed top jobs, Defoe is taking a different route in the fifth tier. He emphasizes that everyone's journey differs and believes he must earn his stripes as a manager starting from the bottom.

Woking presents a significant challenge with a 139-year history of never reaching the EFL. The club almost entered administration in 2024, sacked three managers in three years, and currently sits 10th in the National League. Despite these obstacles, Defoe's main objective is clear: promotion to the next level. He acknowledges this gamble requires winning matches and has assembled support staff including Paul Bracewell to help navigate the demands of management.