Defoe leaves Woking after four months as manager
7 reported2 unconfirmed
Former England striker Jermain Defoe has left his role as manager of National League side Woking after four months and six league games in charge, describing the experience as "eye-opening." Defoe, 43, was appointed in March as the replacement for Neal Ardley and led the club to a 10th-placed finish with two wins in six matches. On Thursday, Woking confirmed the departure was a mutual agreement effective immediately, two weeks before the new season opener against Sutton United. Defoe stated in an Instagram post that circumstances made it impossible to continue, though he expressed pride in the work done. His final game in charge was a 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Braintree Town on Tuesday. The article notes that off-field issues are likely behind the exit, citing Defoe’s statement thanking owner Todd Johnson but omitting a mention of director of football Jody Brown.
What’s reported
Jermain Defoe was Woking manager for four months and six league games.
He won two of those six matches, finishing 10th in the National League.
Woking and Defoe mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect on Thursday.
Defoe said in an Instagram post that circumstances made it impossible to continue.
His final game was a 1-0 pre-season friendly loss to Braintree Town on Tuesday.
Defoe scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances and 20 goals in 57 international appearances.
He previously worked in interim coaching at Rangers and in the Tottenham academy.
Open questions
The specific off-field circumstances that led to Defoe’s departure are not detailed.
Whether Defoe’s omission of director of football Jody Brown in his statement indicates a rift is not confirmed.
Key figures
Jermain Defoe, former England striker and former Woking manager
Neal Ardley, previous Woking manager
Todd Johnson, Woking owner
Jody Brown, Woking director of football
Sources: BBC News
