“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,” said Jermain Defoe, the newly appointed manager of Woking FC.
Defoe, who retired from professional football in 2022 after a remarkable 23-year career, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He scored an impressive 305 goals in 763 senior appearances and represented England in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships.
Club Chairman Todd Johnson expressed confidence in Defoe’s leadership, 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 drives standards, and his approach to leadership and player development.”
Defoe’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Woking FC, as the club aims to build on its strong foundations and strive for greater success. Johnson added, “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.”
In addition to Defoe, Paul Bracewell will serve as Assistant Coach, while Craig Ross and Jake Hyde will continue in their important roles within the club’s coaching structure.
Defoe’s commitment to community and player development is further highlighted by his recognition as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his charitable work through the Jermain Defoe Foundation.
As Woking FC embarks on this new chapter, fans are eager to see how Defoe’s vision and experience will translate into results on the pitch.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s immediate plans, but Defoe is set to participate in an introductory media session on April 1st, where he will likely share his vision for the club’s future.
