Karl Robinson Linked With Bromley Job as Tottenham Legend Jermain Defoe Emerges as Potential Assistant

Former Salford City manager Karl Robinson is among the candidates being considered for the vacant managerial position at Bromley, with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe discussed as a possible member of his coaching staff.

According to Daily Mail Sport, Defoe could join Robinson as assistant manager if the latter is appointed to replace Andy Woodman, who was dismissed last month.

Bromley are now in the second week of their search for a new manager and have been assessing several potential candidates.

Defoe Linked With Return to Coaching After Woking Exit

Defoe, who most recently managed Woking, left the club after less than four months following a reported breakdown in his relationship with its director of football.

His departure came shortly before the start of the new season. He failed to attend training on the eve of the campaign before informing the club that he would not be returning.

Robinson previously attempted to sign Defoe as a player on a free transfer after the striker left Scottish side Rangers, when Robinson was managing Oxford United.

Although that move did not happen, the pair could now work together in a coaching capacity at Bromley.

Defoe’s Premier League Career and Goalscoring Record

Defoe made 496 Premier League appearances across six clubs, scoring 163 goals during his career.

He is Tottenham’s seventh-highest all-time goalscorer and occupies 10th place on the Premier League’s all-time scoring list.

His possible appointment as an assistant would mark a return to coaching following his brief spell in charge at Woking.

Ashley Cole and Matt Bloomfield Also in Bromley’s Search

Bromley have also considered other candidates as they look to appoint Woodman’s successor.

The club has held discussions with former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who managed Italian Serie B side Cesena for three months towards the end of last season. Cole previously worked as an assistant manager with England’s Under-21 team.

Former Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield is also among those linked with the vacancy.

Bromley Struggle at the Bottom of League One

The managerial search comes as Bromley occupy the bottom position in League One and endure a run of six matches without a victory.

Woodman was dismissed after five years in charge, during which he guided the club from the National League into League One.

However, Bromley managed only two victories in their first 10 matches during their debut season in the third tier.

Byron Webster, who made 173 appearances for the club over six years, is currently serving as interim manager.

Woodman Expresses Disappointment Over Dismissal

Woodman has spoken publicly about his departure, describing himself as disappointed and upset by the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.

Speaking on the Inside the 72 podcast this week, he reflected on his time at Bromley and the way his tenure ended.

“You have to speak honestly. The easiest way I can sum this up is that when I got the job at Bromley, my first game was Wealdstone and my last game in the league was Leicester,” he said.

He added that he felt misled in several situations and was unhappy with how the decision had been communicated.

“To give five and a half years of my life to a club and a fan base that I really loved and bought into and gave everything I had and be told in no less than four minutes, thanks, that was it really,” Woodman said.

He continued: “There’s no other way of dressing this up. I’m disappointed but that’s football as we know it. Unfortunately, it never surprises me.”

Victor Anichebe Involved in Proposed Bromley Takeover

Away from the managerial appointment, former Everton striker Victor Anichebe is understood to be in the final stages of completing a takeover of Bromley.

Anichebe is also reportedly involved in the club’s search for a new manager as it considers candidates to replace Woodman.