Jermain Defoe has applied for the vacant managerial position at Sunderland, where the former Rangers striker would succeed Michael Beale.
On February 19, Beale was sacked by Sunderland after only 12 games. Mike Dodds, the Black Cats’ first-team coach, has taken over as interim manager, although Sunderland’s English Championship play-off hopes have been destroyed after only one victory in seven games.
The bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Beale at the Stadium of Light include Paul Heckingbottom, Steve Cooper, and Will Still.
Defoe, who is presently the manager of Totttenham Hotspur’s under-18s, would enjoy the opportunity to take command of a club for whom he played 100 times over a 23-year career.
Speaking to The Mirror, he stated: “The Sunderland job? Why not? Even as a player, I used to say I wanted to manage this club. If I had the opportunity, I would not pass it up, so let us go.”
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Defoe is preparing for a coaching career and believes that his stint as a player/coach at Rangers with Steven Gerrard will help him face future problems.
He continued, “I’ve heard individuals say they need experience. Working with young players has taught me that understanding what they need compels you to coach.
“Everyone knows I adore football, and I have always enjoyed it. I was fortunate to have a successful career in football, and for me, the transition has been very seamless because I went right into coaching.
“I submitted my CV to a few teams and had chats, simply to see where I stand in terms of badges. Many people don’t remember, but I spent a year as a player/coach with the Rangers, so I was exposed to that level.
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