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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Jermain Defoe in Rangers manager admission as striker reveals ambition with 'comfort zone' claim

Jermain Defoe says he would love to manage any of his old clubs as the former Rangers striker begins his journey after football.

The Englishman was a top forward in his playing career, most notably in two spells at Tottenham Hotspur where he made over 360 appearances and scored a whopping 143 goals. Defoe also signed up for Steven Gerrard's mission at Rangers in 2019 and was a valued member of the squad that wrestled the Scottish Premiership back from Celtic.

The now retired star notched up 32 goals at Ibrox before finishing his career at beloved Sunderland last year but is now hyping himself up for the chance to manage in the future. And the vacant role at Oxford United is one that is catching the hitman's eye, but he may face competition ironically from ex-Rangers boss Graeme Murty who has been heavily linked.

READ MORE: Todd Cantwell lauds Rangers' 'amazing' away support in seven word address after big win over Hibs

The 40-year-old says he has no fear and that even managing at Rangers one day wouldn't be ruled out. On his Outside the Box podcast, he said: “Obviously it’s early because I’ve not managed. I don’t think I would force it because I want to be ready, I don’t want to go into a situation where I’m not ready.

“I want to be fully prepared so I wouldn’t force it. But at the same time, if I got a phone call then I’m not going to be one of those people who’s in a comfort zone.

“I don’t mind going outside my comfort zone and throwing myself into the deep end because at the end of the day, it’s that competitive side of me. I’ve always been like that anyway.

“I don’t think you can be afraid to fail, I think you have to set your sights high but if they called me, I’d go of course. I’d go and listen to what they say. If I thought about the dream, Tottenham would be amazing [to manage] but I would love to manage any of the clubs I played for. You never know what opportunities you'll get.

"I am doing my coaching badges and I want to take my time. Hopefully I will get an opportunity, I don't know when that day will come but when it comes, I want to be ready."

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