Jermain Defoe taking on manager’s role at Woking
The former England star's first permanent manager’s role will be at the National League side
Last updated 29th Mar 2026
Former Tottenham and England striker Defoe, 43, 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.”
Defoe has previously been a coach in Tottenham’s academy and briefly worked in a caretaker role at Rangers in 2021 as part of a four-man coaching team.
Woking 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 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.