Jermain Defoe makes Sunderland job pitch as he looks to replace Rangers ally Michael Beale

Jermain Defoe has entered the running for the open position at Sunderland,

where he would take over for former Rangers coach Michael Beale.

The English Championship team hasn’t had a regular manager since Beale was fired in February

following just 12 games in charge.

Sunderland’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs have been dashed

by a record of only one win in seven games under interim head coach Mike Dodds of the Black Cats first squad.

Paul Heckingbottom, the former manager of Hibernian,

has been strongly associated with the position,

and Reims manager Will Still is reportedly another candidate.

However, Defoe, a former striker for Rangers and Sunderland

who retired in 2022 following a 23-year career that saw

The Tottenham under-18s coach, Defoe, stated in an interview with the Mirror:

“The Sunderland job? Why not? I used to say all the time, even as a player,

that I would love to manage this club. Let’s go; if given the chance,

I wouldn’t hesitate to take it.

The 41-year-old claims he is preparing for a career in management

and believes his year at Ibrox as a player/coach under Steven Gerrard would prepare him

well for difficulties ahead. “I hear people talk about needing experience,” he continued.

Working with young players forces you to understand their needs, which is what I’ve experienced.

It also drives you to coach.

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