Rangers fans beg title-winning hero to 'get back up the road' as he makes emotional career decision
THERE aren't many players left from Rangers' title-winning 2020/21 campaign.
And one of those Ibrox heroes is now on the lookout for his next career opportunity.
A few members of Rangers' Premiership championship-winning side are still at Ibrox.
Leon Balogun has just signed a new deal, while James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Scott Wright are all still there too.
Although, there are question marks surrounding the futures of all three of those players as Philippe Clement looks to overhaul his squad.
One of the squad's most popular players was Jermain Defoe.
The legendary English striker moved to the Gers, initially on loan, in January 2019 and was a huge hit.
Although he was 36 at the time, the former West Ham and Tottenham frontman was still as deadly as ever in front of goal.
He went on to score 32 times in 74 appearances across all competitions and played a big role in the Light Blues' title triumph under Steven Gerrard.
After signing a new one-year deal in the summer of 2021, Defoe also took on coaching responsibilities at Ibrox.
When Gerrard left for Aston Villa, Defoe was one of the Gers' caretaker bosses prior to Giovanni van Bronckhorst's appointment.
After three years at the club, Defoe left Rangers in January 2022 after revealing he had felt 'forced' into the player/coach role.
He made a brief return to another of his former clubs, Sunderland, before retiring from football in March, just two months after his Gers departure.
Defoe quickly moved into coaching and returned to Tottenham, where he'd enjoyed two spells as a player, as an academy coach.
He's never been shy about his ambitions to become a manager either, and declared his interest in the Sunderland job earlier this year.
And his managerial career has been on his mind as he revealed he's LEAVING Spurs.
In an emotional statement, the 41-year old revealed he's moving on after two years in the coaching role.
In a social media post, Defoe said: "For the past two seasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaching time at Tottenham Hotspur FC.
"Today, I leave this incredible club and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people in the building who have helped me learn and grow.
"Special thanks go to Donna Cullen who brought me back to the club and in particular, Paul Bracewell, Stuart Lewis, Nigel Gibbs, Wayne Burnett and Bradley Allen, who have all been paramount in helping me evolve into the coach I am today.
"It has been a pleasure to achieve so much at Spurs, including reaching Uefa A coaching status, which was always an ambition of mine following my playing career.
"Spurs will always hold a special place in my heart and the fans already know how much the club means to me.
"However, now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career. Nevertheless, I will forever remember my time at Spurs fondly.
"All great journeys eventually come to an end and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the coming season and the future.
"Until next time."
What next for Defoe?
Well, many Rangers fans are begging him to make a return to the club!
One Rangers fan wrote: "Get up the road son."
A second added: "Best of luck with your next adventure. Hope to see you back."
A third told Defoe: "Come home."
A fourth commented: "Rangers FC 👀 striker coach?"
Others wondered if he could be an outside contender for a big job vacancy!
Gareth Southgate, of course, left his role as England manager yesterday following the Euro 2024 Final defeat to Spain.
One fan said: "JD for the England job."
Another added: "Defoe for England?"
