Farewell Jermain Defoe

So it's farewell to Jermain Defoe, off to FC Toronto on a nice little earner and why not.

When he was on song he would go on a run of goals, when they were not going in he added little, but every side needs a Defoe, every side needs a guy who can find the net. Goalscorers are priceless, without them you win nothing, without them you get relegated.

Jermain Defoe celebrates another goal
Jermain Defoe celebrates another goal
A Charlton Athletic youth player at 14, he scored in 10 consecutive games when on loan at Bournemouth. Former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has had a career linked with Defoe.

Redknapp was the then West Ham manager who sent him to out on loan afterwards saying, "He's done great. I sent him out to Bournemouth to get some experience playing league football and he's coped marvellously. To score 10 goals in 10 games is a terrific achievement. He's a bright lad who's full of confidence. Nothing knocks him, he's a typical goal-scorer. If he misses, he'll be there the next time looking for a goal. He's a kid with a big future."

David Pleat brought him to Spurs in 2004 saying: "I can't think of a British striker at his age who has achieved as much in such a short space of time. His goal record for a 21-year-old is quite exceptional. I hope he will have a fine career at Tottenham."

Redknapp then took him to Portsmouth and when Spurs appointed Harry as manager he brought Defoe back to Spurs. His tally of 64 goals in 177 games in his first spell and 79 goals in 186 games in his second spell, 143 in 361 games in total, means he will be fondly remembered by the Spurs faithful. I have no doubt there will be a standing ovation for him.

There is no denying he loved being at Spurs and we are delighted he was here. He was simply too good to sell but not quite good enough to play every week, if he could have learned the art of attacking the six yard box then what a striker he would have been but it's too late to teach an old dog new tricks now.

Jermain Defoe saying farewell to Spurs fans
Jermain Defoe saying farewell to Spurs
Tim Sherwood has been singing his praises:

"Obviously you would argue that there's Jimmy Greaves, but Jermain Defoe is possibly one of the best goalscorers the club's ever seen.

"Unfortunately he's not fit. He'll be at the game to say his goodbyes, hopefully. Let's hope we can find another like Jermain Defoe because he's all about goals.

"Whenever he pulled on the Tottenham shirt he always played with his heart and spirit for the club and gave everything, and everyone appreciates his efforts here.

"He certainly will be a legend at the club."

Kyle Naughton also said, "He's been great for us and he's scored loads of goals. He's great to play with, giving it to him and letting him do his business.

"He was a fans' favourite and one of the best finishers I've come across. He will be missed."

No doubt he will be there tonight to take his applause and applaud the fans. I, as I'm sure most of us do, wish him well and to enjoy his time in Canada. Let's hope Roy Hodgson has assured him that he is going to the World Cup even if he has played very little football this season.