- Jermain Defoe begins management career with 3-3 draw after Woking comeback.
- Defoe stresses apprenticeship, praising player character and impact of substitutions.
- Early signs of proactive style shaped by Rangers experience and trust in youth.
Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe made his managerial debut last night, taking to the touchline for his first match in charge of Woking.
The 43-year-old was appointed manager of the English National League side earlier in the week.
The Ibrox cult-hero was humble when speaking about taking a job in the fifth tier.
“You can’t expect, just because you’ve had a good career, to just jump in at the top or get that big job – you have to do your apprenticeship,” he explained.
“You look at successful managers, everyone’s journey has been different, it’s important to want it, appreciate the opportunity.”
“This club has great history, good fans and is an amazing place to live.
“When you look at the infrastructure, it’s somewhere where I hope that players will want to come and play, I’ve just been really looking forward to it.”
Jermain Defoe earns debut draw
He watched his new side come back to secure a 3-3 draw with Eastleigh.
Defoe had the perfect start, with his side taking the lead within 15 minutes.
They were, however, pegged back and trailed by two goals with 20 to go.
Alas, goals from Olly Sanderson and Kian Pennant, nephew of former England international James Pennant, secured Defoe a point in his first match.
First match reflections
Post-match Defoe reflected on a whirlwind first few days in his new job.
“The last few days have been crazy,” he revealed.
“You just want to get on the grass, train and get the game done.”
He made several substitutions with Woking chasing the match and expressed his delight at the resulting comeback.
He said: “When you make substitutions and they impact the game, that’s always good.
“When young players get the opportunity, they have to take it.”
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“It’s my first job in management; you can’t replicate the real thing.
“We only had one day to prepare, but I saw a lot today in terms of quality and character.”
While it was only a first step, there were clear early signs of what Defoe wants his side to represent.
The emphasis on character, trust in young players and the impact of substitutions all point towards a proactive, front-foot approach, one shaped by his experiences at Rangers under Steven Gerrard.
A point in a chaotic 3-3 draw is hardly definitive, but the manner of the comeback will have pleased him more than the result itself.
There is, as he admits, a long road ahead, but every journey must start somewhere.
And this is one that could lead him back to Ibrox in the future.
