Jermain Defoe ‘excited’ by ex-Premier League star’s nephew after dramatic managerial debut

Jermain Defoe dramatically avoided defeat in his first match as Woking boss after a six-goal thriller on Good Friday.

The former England striker took charge of his new club for the first time as they hosted Eastleigh in the National League.

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It came just four days after his surprise appointment as manager on Monday.

Defoe was named as Neal Ardley’s successor after he was sacked at the start of March.

Although he did not oversee Tuesday’s draw with Altrincham, Defoe was in the dugout for the visit of Eastleigh.

He even received an ovation from the Woking fans prior to kick-off at Kingfield Stadium.

Woking rescue a point

It was the dream start for Defoe as well, with Harry Beautyman giving the hosts the lead after just 16 minutes.

By the second half, though, the match had been turned on its head.

Jake Vokins and Temi Eweka gave Eastleigh a 3-1 lead after Tunji Akinola had put through his own net for Woking.

However, Olly Sanderson pulled one back for the Cardinals before Kian Pennant’s equaliser five minutes from time.

Defoe hails key man

21-year-old Pennant joined Woking from Championship side Leicester City last month, with this being his first goal for the club.

And Defoe was full of praise for his goalscorer following the match, as he spoke exclusively to talkSPORT.

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The Woking boss explained: “Everyone wants to play, and when you come on, you have to make an impact and he definitely did that.

“We had one training session and that was more tactical, but from what I’ve seen so far, he really excites me.”

Defoe added: “I’m looking at everyone. When you become a manager or coach, training can’t replicate the game, it was a fantastic finish.

“I’m happy for him and hopefully, going forward, he can gain confidence from this and he can help the team from now until the end of the season.”

Pennant is the nephew of former Liverpool winger and talkSPORT co-host Jermaine Pennant.

The ex-Premier League forward also featured alongside Defoe for England’s under-21s during their playing careers.

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Asked about his striker’s uncle, he said: “He’ll be buzzing!

“I played with Jermaine…he was sharp, hat-trick against Southampton, and if you speak to him, he’ll say he could have done a lot more, he played for big clubs.

“It’s obviously in his family, in his blood, so if he can become what Pennant did as a player, then happy days.”

Woking are back in action on Easter Monday, when they travel to face Braintree.

Their draw with Eastleigh leaves Defoe’s side 11th in the National League with five matches remaining.

Although they could mathematically still reach the play-offs, they are currently 13 points adrift of the top seven.

talkSPORT verdict

Reacting to Defoe’s first point as a manager on talkSPORT’s GameDay Phone-In, Jason Cundy said: “I really admire what Defoe’s done, because clearly he’s a very wealthy boy.

“He’s had an incredibly successful career. Unbelievable striker. Will go down as one of the all-time (best), I mean, he’s in the (Premier League) 100 club.

“So to go and do work, go down to that level and take on someone like that, that’s credit to him, by the way.”