In this photo provided by the Denver Fire Department, firefighters battle flames at Empower Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, Thursday, March 24, 2022. Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that torched several rows of seats and a suite area at the Denver Broncos' stadium. The fire broke out in the third-level and burned at least six rows of seats in two sections. (Denver Fire Department via AP)
Ex-Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe opens up on Tottenham exit, managerial aspirations and future plans
Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defore says he’s ready to become a first-team manager after leaving his academy role at Tottenham.
Since retiring as a player in 2022, the 40-year-old has worked with the under-17s and under-21 squads at Spurs, while completing his coaching badges. As a player, Defoe made over 750 senior appearances, including spells at Sunderland, Spurs, Rangers, West Ham, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and MLS side Toronto.
When asked about leaving his coaching role at Tottenham, Defore told Sky Sports News: “First off I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity in the first place. I was at Rangers and I finished there and I knew that opportunity at Tottenham was waiting for me, so I was grateful for that. I was just using that to complete my badges because at Rangers I started my B-licence and I wanted to complete that at Tottenham. I was just grateful I got that opportunity.”
Asked about potentially becoming a first-team manager, the former striker replied: “I just feel at this moment in time now I feel like I’m ready for a first-team environment. I did two years there at the academy and it was really good, some great young players. I worked with some great coaches, Bradley Allen, Paul Bracewell, Nigel Gibbs, Wayne Burnett. For me it was good to get that exposure but I feel like right now I’m ready for a first-team environment.
“I think when you have gone to an experienced place like Tottenham and worked with some experienced coaches like I’ve just mentioned, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do anyway. At the back end of my career I always wanted to go into management and do my badges and see where it takes me.”
Defoe also praised Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, describing him as a ‘top manager and a winner.’ Still, there weren’t any discussions about Defoe becoming part of the first-team backroom staff in North London.
