Former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has officially been announced as a coach within the club’s academy, and has shared details on the process of being offered such an opportunity.
It has long been expected that the former England forward would take on a coaching role with Spurs, and the club confirmed this week that Defoe would indeed be returning in a dual-purpose role as coach and ambassador.
Defoe will assist the academy coaching team, which includes former Manchester City star Yaya Toure, who was offered a full-time role after impressing during his time with the North London club training for his badges (Evening Standard).
In two spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Defoe scored 143 goals (Transfermarkt) and is considered by many as a club legend. He ended a 23-year playing career in March of this year, and now takes his first steps towards becoming a manager.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Defoe recalled the manner in which Spurs offered him the opportunity to join the coaching staff and praised the supportive nature of the club in helping him work towards his UEFA B Licence.
He revealed: “Tottenham deserve a lot of credit. Even before I’d retired, the club got in contact with me and said, ‘When you finish playing, we want you back here, we’re going to help you do all your badges’. That’s why I stayed at Tottenham for so long.
“When I walked into the building, I couldn’t believe the amount of people that are still there from when I was there in the first spell.
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“And the amount of young, black players that never played in the first team that have been given the opportunity to coach at Tottenham, I couldn’t believe it.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It’s brilliant to hear how keen Spurs were to bring back one of their own and help Defoe get a foot on the coaching ladder. With his knowledge of the game, positive attitude, and ambitious mentality, we’re sure Defoe will be a huge success and will quickly work his way towards becoming a great manager in the game.
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