Defoe leaves Woking after 'eye-opening' first managerial role

Former England striker Jermain Defoe has described his first managerial job as an "eye-opening experience" following his exit from National League side Woking after just four months and six league games in charge.

The 43-year-old was named the replacement for Neal Ardley in March and won two of those six matches to guide the club to a 10th-placed finish last season.

But on Thursday, Woking confirmed Defoe's stint had come to an abrupt end after they "mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect" - two weeks before the opening match of the new campaign against Sutton United.

"Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position," Defoe said in an Instagram post.

"I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special.

"My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career."

Defoe's ninth and final game in charge of Woking was a 1-0 defeat by Braintree Town in one of three pre-season friendlies on Tuesday.

He scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances for clubs including West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland before retiring in 2022.

Defoe, who struck 20 times in 57 international appearances, was part of an interim coaching staff at Rangers in 2021 and then worked in the Spurs academy, before leaving in 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial role.

Off-field issues probably behind exit - analysis

Defoe said just a few days ago he was excited and relishing the new season.

So this is a hugely surprising end to a partnership that seemed to be heading in the right direction.

The club's fans had been buzzing since his arrival, with many of the squad assembled this summer by Defoe and director of football Jody Brown joining Woking because of the former England striker.

But the reference in Defoe's statement, external to owner Todd Johnson - thanking him "for giving me the opportunity to manage the club" - but a lack of one for Brown could reveal a lot about the departure.

Defoe had impressed the club with his coaching and work on the training field, so all eyes point towards off the pitch for the reasons he said made it "impossible" to continue after 116 days in charge.

And where next for Defoe? This was meant to be his breakthrough in management. As for Woking, it's hardly an ideal time to be looking for a new head coach.

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