How controversial ex-Portsmouth man's 'bold' managerial move is winning admirers ahead of Blues reunion
The former England man scored 17 goals in 36 appearances for the Blues before leaving in January 2009
It has been a ‘bold move’ which has presented Jermain Defoe with a cherished maiden managerial role.
And the England striker is already impressing Woking supporters after six competitive matches as he prepares to face former club Pompey.
Defoe was appointed as Neal Ardley’s replacement at the National League club in March, representing a first foot on the managerial ladder at the age of 43.
After losing one of his opening six fixtures last season, the ex-Spurs and West Ham man is overseeing a summer transfer window in which five strikers alone have been recruited.
Having won their opening friendly 2-1 at Sholing on Saturday, they now entertain Pompey at the Kingfield Stadium on Tuesday (7pm).
And, according to Tom White, multimedia sports reporter at the Woking News and Mail, Defoe is already making his mark in favourable terms.
‘He has obviously brought a big profile with him and a lot of attention’
White told The News: ‘Woking’s American owners would like to get into the Football League at some point, that is the ambition.
‘Obviously they now have a high-profile manager, his first rookie job, but there is realism as well. They are not the bookies’ favourites, they finished 10th last year, so the expectation is to be pushing for a play-off spot this time around.
‘Jermain finished the season pretty strongly after coming in, losing one of his six games in charge. Now he will be properly judged when the real stuff starts at home to Sutton next month.
‘He has obviously brought a big profile with him and a lot of attention, his unveiling and the first game in charge had all the nationals interested. The players have also spoken highly of him, they are learning from his expertise as an England international and former Premier League player.
‘His arrival was out of the blue, a bold move from somebody who had done all the hard work as a coach in Tottenham’s Academy. Yet it shows he’s not afraid starting in non-league and trying to work his way up.
‘When he was unveiled, he spoke about just wanting to be a manager, the level wasn’t a problem for him. He felt he was ready and had done his time, so was grateful for this opportunity.’
Kicking off Pompey’s friendly programme
Woking kicks off Pompey’s own friendly programme, which consists of six fixtures, culminating at SV Darmstadt on August 1.
Odin Bailey and Eoin Kenny are their summer transfer window additions so far, with both expected to feature against the Cards.
As a player, Defoe scored 17 goals in 36 appearances during a 12-month spell which ended when sold to Spurs in January 2009 under controversial circumstances.
Now he will occupy Woking’s dug-out on Tuesday night, alongside assistant Paul Bracewell, against John Mousinho’s men.
While added: ‘Jermain has been fine to deal with, engaging, respectful, answers questions and goes into depth, not just giving us short and monosyllabic answers.
‘He has a lot of contacts in the game which he trusts and has definitely put in the time to do his research into non-league football. Now he’s got his feet under the table, it will be fascinating to see how he progresses as a manager.’