Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly hoping to rope in the recently retired Jermaine Defoe in a coaching role in the near future.
According to Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are set to approach Jermaine Defoe over a coaching role in North London. The Premier League giants are ready to provide the 39-year-old with the opportunity to prove his coaching skills, with the former Spurs striker currently completing his coaching badges.
Defoe has been in the spotlight lately after announcing his decision to retire from professional football at the age of 39. The English forward was plying his trade with Sunderland, a club he joined during the January transfer window. But after winning just two starts, he has decided to hang up his boots, citing his desire to let young players the opportunity to make a mark.
Defoe is yet to properly embark on his managerial career. But he was player-manager at Rangers, serving as an assistant coach for Steven Gerrard.
His contributions were critical in helping the Gers secure their Scottish Premiership title, which happened to be the only other major league honour of his career since the 2008 triumph of the English League Cup at Tottenham.
After announcing his retirement, it is time for Defoe to start a new chapter in his career. His former club Tottenham, to that end, have opened the door for him to return to north London by becoming a part of the club’s training facility in Enfield.
If everything goes well, Spurs are planning to offer Defoe a formal coaching role in the club’s youth setup. It appears they are earmarking the former English international as a potential managerial candidate for the future, especially amid uncertainties over the future of Antonio Conte, who has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Defoe himself would certainly prefer a return to Tottenham. He holds legendary status with the Lilywhites, having scored 143 goals for the club in a total of 362 competitive appearances. He is also a charismatic figure and holds an OBE title for his footballing service to the nation, coupled with his efforts in helping the late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery.
Tottenham will be hoping that Jermaine Defoe’s charming personality could be what the club need as they aim to restore their former glory and win some titles in the coming years.
