FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe admits his long-awaited first managerial role is a “gamble” as he prepares to begin his tenure with National League side Woking.

The 43-year-old was forced to bide his time for a head coach position, speaking to a number of clubs before his surprise appointment by the Cards.

While many of his former international team-mates were given maiden managerial opportunities at significantly higher levels, Defoe is content to cut his teeth in the fifth tier.

He has the ultimate goal of guiding the Surrey club into the EFL for the first time in their 139-year history ahead of starting his reign tonight at home to Eastleigh.

“I think if you speak to any manager, regardless of the league and the standard, it’s always going to be a gamble,” said Defoe, whose new team currently sit 10th in the table, 11 points off a play-off spot with six games remaining.

“You have to believe that you’re good enough because I think when you go into any situation, any job, not just football, if you’re thinking negatively, then that [not being successful] is going to happen.

“I believe with this group of players that we’ll be successful for sure.”

Defoe scored 305 goals in 763 senior club appearances and struck 20 times in 57 England caps during his 23-year playing career.

He was part of an interim coaching staff in charge of Rangers in 2021 and later worked in Tottenham’s academy before leaving in the summer of 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial position.

“Just because I’ve had a good career, I can’t expect to just jump in at the top or get that big job or opportunity [straightaway],” he said.

“This is something I’ve always wanted. I’ve waited a long time. I’ve done all the courses, I’ve put in the hours and now it’s here I’m going to enjoy this.”

Defoe has sought advice from a number of mentors, including former England managers Gareth Southgate and Sam Allardyce and ex-Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

Yet the most influential figure in his life remains his mother, Sandra.

“She’s the one from the beginning who gave me that support as a player,” said Defoe, who represented West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Toronto, Sunderland, Bournemouth and Rangers.

“I think being a single parent is always tough but the fact that she knew that drive and hunger I had for football and she took that on board and came to every game from the age of eight all the way through my career, travelled with my sister…

“It’s important to have those sort of influences in your life because they’re the people that love you and care.

“Even at the age of 43, that’s still the person I want to make proud.”