"Right time for me to move on" - Tottenham man announces decision to leave the club

Tottenham’s iconic striker Jermain Defoe has announced his decision to step down from his role as the under-18s coach at the club.

Defoe confirmed that he has left his position to explore new opportunities in his post-playing career.

Taking to social media to announce his decision, he said:

“For the past two seasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaching time at THFC. Today I leave this incredible club, and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people in the building who have helped me learn and grow.

“It has been a pleasure to achieve so much at Spurs including reaching UEFA A coaching status which was always an ambition of mine following my playing career. Spurs will always hold a special place in my heart and the fans already know how much the club means to me.

“However, now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career, nevertheless I will forever remember my time at Spurs fondly. All great journeys eventually come to an end and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the coming season and the future. Until next time.”

The 41-year-old, who has been a significant influence in the Spurs youth setup, is keen to pursue a senior managerial role.

This move marks a significant step in Defoe’s transition from player to coach, closing an important chapter in his illustrious career.

Defoe’s playing career is highly celebrated. He started with Charlton Athletic’s youth team before moving to West Ham United at 16, where he quickly established himself as a talent.

In 2004, Defoe joined Tottenham Hotspur and became a fan favourite. After a brief stint at Portsmouth, he returned to Spurs in 2009, cementing his legacy as a club legend. He scored a remarkable 143 goals and provided 31 assists in his 363 appearances for the Lilywhites. (Transfermarkt)

Defoe retired as one of the Premier League’s top scorers, holding the record for the most goals scored as a substitute and ranking among Tottenham’s highest goal scorers.

In his coaching career, Defoe returned to Spurs in August 2022 as a club ambassador and academy coach. His tenure as the under-18s coach has been marked by his dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.

As Defoe moves on to further his coaching career, the club and its supporters wish him the best and look forward to his future successes.