Jermain Defoe's Unbeaten Start at Woking: A Managerial Journey Begins
Former England international Jermain Defoe has made an impressive and unbeaten start to his managerial career at National League side Woking, taking charge last month. Despite a glittering playing career predominantly in the Premier League, Defoe acknowledges he had no divine right to manage at the top level immediately after hanging up his boots in 2022.
Overcoming Experience Barriers and Embracing Opportunity
Defoe revealed that in previous managerial interviews, he was often told he lacked sufficient experience, despite his coaching stints in Tottenham Hotspur's academy and his long-stated ambition to inspire more black coaches and managers. "You have to start somewhere," Defoe exclusively told Mirror Football. "You have to respect any level; it's not easy at any level. I feel like you have to appreciate the opportunities that you've got."
He referenced comments from Ashley Cole, who recently expressed discouragement over limited job opportunities within English football before taking a head coach role at Italian Serie B side Cesena. Defoe empathised, noting similar frustrations: "I was told the same thing, 'You haven't got the experience,' even though I've got someone with me in Paul Bracewell [assistant manager at Woking] who has got 35 years in the game."
Putting Ego Aside and Learning from Legends
While contemporaries like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney secured roles in England's top two divisions, Defoe emphasised the need to bide time and set ego aside. "Just because I've played in the Premier League my whole life, I shouldn't get a Premier League job or a Championship job. It's not as easy as that," he stated.
He pointed to managers like Roy Hodgson and Graham Potter, who built their careers from football's lower echelons, as examples of varied journeys to success. Defoe also clarified he did not apply for the Sunderland managerial position in past years, reinforcing his belief in earning opportunities through performance.
Early Success and Building Rapport at Woking
Since his appointment, Defoe has overseen five games without defeat, including draws against Eastleigh, Braintree, and Yeovil Town, and significant wins over Morecambe FC and Gateshead FC. Woking supporters have already embraced him, loudly singing his name during a 3-0 victory over Gateshead, one of the division's in-form teams.
When asked about his start, Defoe joked, "Stressed," before adding, "Nah, when you win, it's always nice isn't it? As a player, it's amazing - it makes your weekend. As a manager, I was told it was even better." He highlighted the satisfaction of seeing players execute training plans on matchdays.
Navigating the National League and Future Plans
The National League presents a challenging environment with former EFL clubs and only one automatic promotion spot. With Woking having little to play for this season, Defoe is using the remaining games to assess his squad ahead of a summer rebuild. "For me, it's an opportunity to have a look at the players with fresh eyes," he explained, praising the team's response and standards.
Defoe concluded by expressing gratitude to Woking for the chance to kickstart his managerial career, hoping it leads to a long tenure in the game. His journey underscores a broader message about perseverance, humility, and the value of starting from the ground up in football management.
