Jermain Defoe Named Woking Manager

Jermain Defoe, the former England and Tottenham Hotspur striker, has been appointed as the new manager of National League club Woking, marking his first permanent role in charge of a senior team. The 43-year-old takes over at the fifth-tier Surrey club following the dismissal of previous manager Neal Ardley earlier this month.

Woking, currently sitting 11th in the National League table with 53 points, parted ways with Ardley and his assistant Simon Bassey amid a season of inconsistency. The club turned to interim coach Craig Ross, who has guided the team through eight matches, securing four wins, three draws and one defeat. This run has left Woking with slim mathematical chances of a top-seven finish and playoffs, nine points adrift with few games remaining. Ross will remain in temporary charge for Tuesday's home fixture against Altrincham, allowing Defoe to assume full duties shortly thereafter.

Defoe's appointment followed a detailed recruitment process, as outlined by club officials. Chairman Todd Johnson highlighted the decision, stating, "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...