Defoe tipped to quit Rangers after confirmed news on Monday – ex-teammate
Jermain Defoe will be the next member of the Rangers backroom staff to leave.
That is the view of ex-Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about his former teammate’s future following the departure of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa.
In a statement on Saturday, Villa confirmed Gary McAllister, Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw, Scott Mason and Jordan Milsom have followed Gerrard from Ibrox.
However, Defoe, who signed a one-year player/coach deal with the Gers in June, has remained in Glasgow.
On Monday, Rangers revealed via Twitter that Defoe, David McCallum, Brian Gilmour, and Colin Stewart would take care of the first team while the club search for a new manager.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Defoe’s Ibrox future, Robinson said:
“I know Jermain well and let me tell you, he is a brilliant character to have around your dressing room. He is a top professional.
“The thing is, I think his relationship was with Steven. I’m not sure that he will have the relationship with a new manager coming in. I don’t think the opportunity would be the same.
“For that reason, I think he might leave Rangers next year.”
Defoe moved to Ibrox in January 2019 from Bournemouth.
He has contributed 32 goals and 10 assists in 73 appearances for the Light Blues.
However, he has featured just once this season – a cameo substitute appearance against Dundee United.
In other news, a pundit has been left ‘so surprised’ by Rangers after a Sky update on appointing Frank Lampard.