Tottenham legend Jermain Defoe has been officially named the new manager of National League side Woking Football Club.

The appointment, confirmed by the club, marks Defoe’s first permanent step into senior management after building his coaching credentials within the Tottenham academy and serving as a player-coach at Rangers under Steven Gerrard.

Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm the appointment of Jermain Defoe as the club’s new Manager. ??

— Woking Football Club (@wokingfc) March 29, 2026

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham legend officially lands managerial job after admitting he would love to manage Spurs

Mar 29 2026, 21:51

“Tottenham are going really strong for him”: Fabrizio Romano drops big Spurs managerial update

Mar 29 2026, 21:29

Igor Tudor may have won over Tottenham fans with final gesture

Mar 29 2026, 20:27

Jermain Defoe has previously revealed dream to manage Tottenham

While Defoe is fully committed to the task at hand in Surrey, he has never hidden his ultimate coaching ambitions.

Speaking previously to the Daily Mail, the prolific former striker admitted that returning to his beloved Spurs in a managerial capacity would be ‘amazing’.

He said: “It would be amazing to manage Tottenham. And the crazy thing about football is you never know. An opportunity could be around the corner.”

Defoe remains one of the most beloved figures in Tottenham’s modern history.

Over two spells at White Hart Lane, he netted 143 goals, making him the sixth-highest goalscorer in the club’s history.

While he could still land his dream role later on in his career, for now, the task in hand is a promotion push with the Cardinals, where he will look to prove he has what it takes to become a top class manager.

Spurs managerial search continues after Igor Tudor exit

The news of Defoe’s appointment comes at a chaotic time for his former club.

Tottenham are currently scouring the market for their third manager of the season following the departure of Igor Tudor on Sunday.

With Spurs sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone, the vacancy is seen as one of the most high-pressure roles in European football.

Roberto De Zerbi is their top target, with Spurs reportedly pushing hard to secure him immediately.

Sean Dyche, Glen Hoddle and some other names remain short-term candidates if Roberto De Zerbi is not convinced for the role at this stage.

The post Tottenham legend officially lands managerial job after admitting he would love to manage Spurs appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham to opt for another short-term manager if they fail to land De Zerbi

If Tottenham fail to convince De Zerbi to join a relegation dogfight immediately, the club is prepared to turn to another short-term manager for now.

As per Romano, Sean Dyche has been discussed for the role as well as some other managers.

The former Everton and Burnley boss has the experience of these high-pressure relegation battles.

For the permanent role, if De Zerbi doesn’t join, Mauricio Pochettino remains a romantic option for a permanent return.

Currently in charge of the USMNT, Pochettino is reportedly open to returning to North London regardless of their league status, but he would only be available after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

The post “Tottenham are going really strong for him”: Fabrizio Romano drops big Spurs managerial update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham have officially confirmed that head coach Igor Tudor has left the club by mutual agreement, ending a disastrous 44-day tenure that has pushed the North London giants to the brink of relegation.

The announcement, made on Sunday evening, also confirmed the departures of goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Tudor’s brief reign will go down as one of the most difficult periods in the club’s modern history.

Tasked with steadying the ship after replacing Thomas Frank in February, the Croatian managed to win just one of his seven games in charge, a 3-2 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid that was ultimately insufficient to prevent a 5-7 aggregate exit.

We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.

We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their… pic.twitter.com/I6HUdLdewL

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2026

Alex Crook: Igor Tudor leaves without a payoff

According to talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook, the parting of ways was exceptionally clean from a financial perspective.

As per the journalist, Tudor has agreed to walk away from Tottenham without a termination payoff.

Sources close to Igor Tudor have told @talkSPORT he walks away from #THFC without a pay off.

— Alex Crook ??? (@alex_crook) March 29, 2026

The decision to waive a severance package suggests a mutual recognition that the appointment simply hadn’t worked.

Under Tudor, Spurs failed to win any of their five Premier League fixtures, picking up just a single point in a -1-1 draw against Liverpool while conceding 20 goals across all competitions.

While the results on the pitch were undeniably poor, the sudden nature of the decision has also been linked to a significant personal tragedy.

Tudor reportedly learned of the passing of his father, Mario, immediately following the humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on March 22.

The club’s official statement noted the “bereavement that Igor has recently suffered,” sending their support to him and his family.

The loss of his father, coupled with the “toxic” atmosphere following the Forest debacle, is believed to have been a major factor in Tudor’s desire to step away during the international break.

What’s next for Tottenham?

With only seven games remaining, each game is a cup final for the club as they sit just one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Tottenham now face an emergency search for a new manager. Firefighter manager Sean Dyche has already revealed that there have been no talks with Spurs as yet.

Others linked with the role include former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, with the club strongly interested in him.

The post Igor Tudor may have won over Tottenham fans with final gesture appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sean Dyche has broken his silence on the intensifying rumors linking him to the Tottenham Hotspur job, describing the North London outfit as a “massive” club while dismissing reports of immediate talks.

The former Everton and Burnley boss, widely regarded as English football’s premier “firefighter,” has seen him linked with the Spurs job as their nightmare 2025/26 season threatens to end in a historic relegation.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Speaking during a guest appearance on talkSPORT, Dyche laughed off a recent social media frenzy sparked by a fan sighting in a London pub.

Despite the lighthearted tone, the gravity of Tottenham’s situation remains undeniable as the club enters a high-stakes international break.

Sean Dyche admits no talks with Tottenham as yet

Addressing the speculation that he was meeting with Spurs chairman on Friday night, Dyche revealed the reality was far more grounded.

“It’s brilliant, honestly,” Dyche laughed. “I was in the pub just up the way near my place… and this guy goes, ‘Ah, you’re meant to be in talks with Spurs tonight?’ And I say, ‘I’m sat next to you having a pint of Guinness, so it’s unlikely, unless you work for Spurs!'”

While confirming no formal contact has been made, Dyche was full of praise for the club. “You try to be respectful because let’s use Tottenham as an example. A brilliant club, massive club… one of my first ever memories is Ricky Villa’s goal [in 1981]. So you go, ‘Yeah, I’m flattered.'”

? Sean Dyche on talkSPORT! ?

Sean Dyche reacts to rumours of him being linked to Spurs, as the north London club face a relegation scrap ?

? Watch the full discussion on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/PfilEzxvja pic.twitter.com/baEUVNXMQH

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 28, 2026

More Stories / Latest News

This manager is now firmly on course to land the Manchester United job

Mar 29 2026, 9:04

“The decision is made” – Player won’t U-turn on Man United transfer decision

Mar 29 2026, 8:44

Why Cole Palmer is now unhappy at Chelsea as Man United eye potential £150m transfer

Mar 29 2026, 8:15

The links to a recently sacked Dyche come as interim head coach Igor Tudor struggles to stem a collapse that has seen Tottenham fail to win a single Premier League match in 2026.

Following a devastating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Spurs have slumped to 17th place, sitting just one point above the relegation zone with only seven matches remaining.

Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February, has overseen five defeats in his seven games across all competitions.

Combined with a 13-match winless run in the league, the club’s worst since 1915, the Spurs hierarchy is reportedly not afraid to pull the trigger on their second manager of the year..

The post ‘Massive club’ – Sean Dyche breaks silence on Tottenham links amid relegation concerns appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Anfield was treated to a masterclass on Saturday as Thiago Alcantara made a sensational return to for the 2026 LFC Foundation charity match.

Despite retiring from professional football in 2024, the Spanish maestro looked as though he had never stepped away, shining in the 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund Legends with his trademark flair and vision.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Playing under the watchful eyes of a returning Jurgen Klopp and Sir Kenny Dalglish, Thiago took just six minutes to remind the 60,000-strong crowd why he remains one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation.

The deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion early in the first half. Thiago orchestrated the move himself, turning over possession in the Dortmund half before finding Ryan Babel with a brilliant no-look pass.

As Babel held the ball up, Thiago continued his run into the penalty area. Receiving the return pass, the 34-year-old found himself forced wide by the onrushing Roman Weidenfeller.

However, with the narrowest of margins to work with, Thiago produced a sublime finish from an almost impossible angle, sliding the ball into the far corner to spark a roar from the Kop.

Thiago and Steven Gerrard link-up

Throughout the first half, he combined effortlessly with Steven Gerrard.

His chemistry with Gerrard was incredible, with the duo exchanging a series of intricate “triangles” that dictated the tempo of the game.

Fans were so enamored by the display that many fans on social media called for the duo to sign a short-term deal for Arne Slot’s first team.

Thiago Alcantara vs BVB legends
pic.twitter.com/WnPyClAMH6

— ?? (@kfjcomps_) March 28, 2026

The post Watch: Liverpool fans treated to magical Gerrard x Thiago midfield link-up in Legends charity match appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder Aleix Garcia as a “concrete” priority for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to report from Fussballdaten.

The 28-year-old, who has been a key player for Leverkusen, is currently regarded as the most ‘serious’ target for the Hammers as they look to inject world-class creativity into their engine room.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The Hammers’ interest is not new, having attempted to sign him back in 2024 as well.

Garcia is having an impressive season, contributing nine assists and five goals across all competitions.

West Ham face competition from Atletico Madrid

While West Ham are leading the interest from the Premier League, they face a formidable rival in Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone is reportedly desperate to bring Garcia back to Spain as a replacement for Conor Gallagher, who recently joined Tottenham.

Atletico previously failed with an inquiry in January, but the report suggests that they are returning with a €25 million offer.

Leverkusen, however, are holding firm. Despite Garcia’s market value sitting around €20 million, the German champions have reportedly set the price at €30 million (£25m), refusing to part with their playmaker for anything less.

West Ham face serious relegation risk

Despite the club’s ambitious transfer plans, West Ham’s pursuit of Garcia could heavily depend on their Premier League status.

The Hammers are currently involved in a relegation battle, sitting 18th in the table with just 29 points from 31 games.

With only seven matches remaining and trailing 17th-placed Tottenham by a single point, the London Stadium outfit is facing its most uncertain end-of-season run in years.

A player of Garcia’s quality is unlikely to entertain a move to the Championship, which is why the club’s Premier League status could play a decisive factor in the player’s decision.

Garcia’s rise: From Manchester City academy to Bundesliga star

García’s journey has come full circle. Once a prospect in Manchester City’s academy, he truly found his footing at Girona before exploding under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen.

Now thriving under the tactical shift at the BayArena, he has become one of Europe’s most impressive midfielders.

Aleix Garcia stats across various positions via Transfermarkt

Whether he chooses a return to his homeland or a high-profile return to England, Garcia is set to be one of the summer’s most sought-after signatures.

The post Report: West Ham ‘most serious’ in signing ex-Man City midfielder with 15 goals & 20 assists appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping a close watch on the deteriorating situation at Chelsea, with former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown revealing that the Eagles are “long-term admirers” of Blues head coach Liam Rosenior.

Despite only taking the reins at Stamford Bridge in January, Rosenior is facing intense scrutiny following a dismal run of results that has left Chelsea’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

According to Brown, the hierarchy at Selhurst Park has tracked Rosenior’s progress since his time at Hull City and his successful stint in France with Strasbourg.

Should the 41-year-old become a casualty of Chelsea’s ruthless managerial cycle, Palace are expected to be at the front of the queue for his services.

Crystal Palace monitoring Liam Rosenior as Oliver Glasner successor

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown highlighted that Rosenior’s reputation remains high among football insiders, despite the recent “Stamford Bridge slump.”

With current Palace boss Oliver Glasner officially confirming he will depart at the end of the season, the search for a successor is well underway.

“Obviously it seems like Liam Rosenior is under a bit of pressure.

“If he was to be sacked by Chelsea, he’s somebody Crystal Palace will be looking at, because they’ve been long-term admirers since before he came to Chelsea.

“The people I speak to at Hull City speak very, very highly of him, the way they played under him, the organisation, the way he interacted with his players.

“Everything about him as a manager, I’ve heard nothing but praise about until he’s gone to Chelsea and results maybe haven’t been as they’d have hoped.

“So from a Crystal Palace perspective, those are good signs, because he was highly rated in France as well and there are people at Palace who like him.

“If he was to leave Chelsea, they’d be alerted to that and he’s somebody I’m sure they would be looking at as an option to replace Glasner.

“It’s certainly something Palace will be keeping an eye on.”

Rosenior job safe for now despite nightmare form

The pressure on Rosenior is building up following four consecutive defeats across all competitions, including a humbling 8-2 aggregate exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSG.

Domestically, a 3-0 drubbing by Everton has seen the Blues slide to sixth in the Premier League table.

But reports suggest the Chelsea hierarchy currently intends to give Rosenior at least one full season in charge before conducting any formal performance review.

The post Crystal Palace considering surprise move for Premier League manager as Oliver Glasner replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United could be set to part ways with Japanese international Ao Tanaka this summer, as the club adopts an open-minded stance regarding the midfielder’s future.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the 27-year-old has emerged as a primary target for several German clubs, with Leeds reportedly willing to consider bids if the right valuation is met.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

German clubs showing interest in Ao Tanaka

A return to Germany appears the most likely destination for Tanaka, where his reputation remains high following his successful stint in the 2. Bundesliga.

The interest is currently being led by Schalke 04 and Hannover 96, two historic sides currently embroiled in a fierce promotion race.

Schalke sit at the top of the 2. Bundesliga with 52 points, while Hannover are in fifth place, just three points off the automatic promotion spots.

Both clubs view Tanaka as a ready-made option to bolster their squads should they secure a return to the top flight.

Additionally, Union Berlin are said to have “tentative” interest, viewing the Japanese enforcer as a potential squad-depth option for their midfield.

Tanaka has struggled at Leeds United this season

Despite being a fan favorite during the promotion charge, Tanaka has struggled to maintain his influence in the Premier League.

Tanaka arrived at Elland Road last summer for a bargain £2.9 million from Fortuna Düsseldorf and was an instrumental figure in the club’s Championship-winning campaign.

However, since the Whites returned to the Premier League, the midfielder has found himself on the fringes of Daniel Farke’s starting XI, courtesy of injuries and a dip in form.

This season he has been limited to just seven starts, often appearing as a late-game substitute.

Statistically, his output has cooled significantly; he has managed just two goals and zero assists in 26 total appearances this campaign.

While earlier reports suggester that Leeds United don’t plan on sanctioning an exit for Tanaka, it now appears that the club may look to capitalise on the interest in the Japanese international.

The post Leeds United now open to selling midfield star amid interest from Germany appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leicester City are reportedly ready to sacrifice star winger Abdul Fatawu this summer as the club grapples with a deepening financial crisis and a potential slide toward League One.

According to The Telegraph, the Foxes intend to maintain their long-standing model of selling at least one marquee player per window to balance the books.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Despite being a bright spark in an otherwise dismal campaign, Fatawu is increasingly viewed as the club’s most prized asset.

With Leicester recently announcing staggering annual losses of £71 million, the hierarchy has privately conceded that high-value sales are a necessity to ensure long-term stability.

Leicester expected to sell Abdul Fatawu amid financial struggles

The financial pressure on the King Power hierarchy is immense. The club is currently navigating its second stint in the Championship in three seasons and sits dangerously in 22nd place, just above the relegation.

Falling into the third tier would trigger further loss of revenue, making Fatawu’s departure almost inevitable.

Fatawu, who joined permanently from Sporting CP for €17 million last summer, represents a significant return on investment.

With his contract running until 2029, Leicester are in a strong position to demand a fee that could exceed €30 million, providing vital relief for their strained balance sheet.

Abdul Fatawu wanted by top clubs including Napoli

The 22-year-old’s individual form has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite. Napoli have emerged as the primary suitors, with reports suggesting the Serie A giants are preparing a €25 million opening bid.

The Italian side views the Ghanaian international as a priority target to add pace and directness to their wide areas next season.

Fatawu’s numbers this season, 9 goals and 7 assists in 38 games, have made him one of the most productive wingers in the Championship.

While several Premier League sides are also monitoring his situation, a move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona would represent a significant step up, offering the young star a chance to return to the Champions League stage.

The post Report: Leicester City prepared to sanction sale of their best player this summer amid financial crisis appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus has publicly advised Jadon Sancho to snub a permanent move to the Premier League in favor of a return to the Westfalenstadion.

Sancho, currently on a season-long loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, faces a defining summer as his contract at Old Trafford approaches its final months.

Despite showing flashes of his immense talent under Unai Emery, Sancho has struggled for consistent output in the Midlands, registering just one goal and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.

With his contract with Manchester United set to expire in the summer, Reus has backed his former teammate to return to Dortmund to save his career.

Marco Reus advises Jadon Sancho to return to Borussia Dortmund

Speaking to the German newspaper Bild, Reus, who shared a prolific partnership with Sancho between 2017 and 2021, insisted that emotional comfort is now more important than financial gain for the winger.

He said: “My advice to Jadon is to first and foremost look for a place where he feels comfortable again and can rediscover his game. And if that’s at BVB, then it would be good for both him and Dortmund! He knows what the game needs.”

Reus also praised Sancho, adding:

“I have rarely played with a player who instinctively made such good decisions in tight situations. He was sometimes quiet and introspective, but he still radiated good humour.

“Apart from his assists and goals, he knows what the game needs and what his teammates need. He is a player who draws two or three opponents to him and can accurately assess when to involve his teammates at the right moments.”

Dortmund are keen on re-signing Reus

The interest is not one-sided. Reports from Germany suggest that Dortmund are keen on bringing Sancho back for a third stint, though it would come with strict conditions.

The best period of Sancho’s career has been with the German giants, where he scored 53 goals and assisted another 67 in 158 games across all competitions.

He struggled to replicate his form in the Premier League despite having played with three different clubs, Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

While Villa have not fully shut down a potential permanent transfer, perhaps a return to Germany would be the best option for Sancho to revive his career.

The post Aston Villa star urged to snub Premier League club for Borussia Dortmund appeared first on CaughtOffside.