Jermain Defoe leaves Woking manager role after four months

Jermain Defoe leaves Woking manager role after four months

Former England striker Jermain Defoe has left his role as manager of National League side Woking after just four months in charge. The 43-year-old, who was appointed in March, guided the club to a 10th-placed finish last season, winning two of his six league games.

Defoe's exit was confirmed by the club on Thursday, with a statement reading: "Woking Football Club can confirm that the club and First Team Manager Jermain Defoe have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect." The club thanked Defoe for his contribution and wished him success in the future.

Defoe, who scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances for clubs including West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, and Sunderland, released a statement on social media expressing his pride in the work he undertook during his time at the club. He said: "Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position. I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special."

Defoe's departure comes as a surprise, given that he had been excited about the new season just a few days ago. The club's fans had been enthusiastic about his arrival, with many players joining the squad because of the former England striker.

Defoe's time at Woking was marked by a series of pre-season friendlies, including a 1-0 defeat to Braintree Town on Tuesday.

Defoe said: "I am incredibly grateful to the supporters, and, most importantly, the players, who I am genuinely gutted for. The group is a fantastic one, and I wish the squad every success for the season ahead."

Defoe's exit leaves Woking searching for a new manager just two weeks before the opening match of the new campaign against Sutton United.

Defoe's experience at Woking has been described as "eye-opening" by the former England striker, who believes it will make him stronger for his next challenge in management. He said: "My time at Woking has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career."