Defoe signs one-year player-coach deal with Rangers

Jermain Defoe will join Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s backroom team after signing a new one-year player-coach deal.

The veteran former England striker faced a decision on whether or not to continue playing after claiming his first winners’ medal at the age of 38 with Gers’ Premiership title triumph.

But he has now decided to delay hanging up his boots for another season at least after taking up an offer to take his first steps into coaching alongside former England team-mate Gerrard.

Defoe, who joined Rangers in January 2019, said: “It is well-documented how much I love the club and the relationship I have with the fans, the players and the staff at the club.

“So to get the deal over the line, I am just delighted. It is something I wanted to happen, even before the season finished, especially the way we finished the season with winning the league.

Since I joined Rangers in 2019, I never expected to fall in love the way I have done. This is not only a great club, but a British institution.

I want to thank the gaffer, our Chairman and Board for this opportunity. I cannot wait to get started for the clubs 150th year.

“It was the perfect time to be at the football club and it was so special, so to sign another contract as a player/coach, and to still be a part of it, it is an amazing feeling for me and my family.

Jermain Defoe has made 18 appearances for Rangers this season with 11 of those coming in the Scottish Premiership1:11

Defoe says he wants to stay at Rangers forever after lifting the Premiership title

Defoe has scored 32 goals in 72 appearances for Rangers, including four goals in their unbeaten Scottish Premiership title-winning season.