Woking confirm Defoe departure as Reading friendly looms
Woking have parted ways with manager Jermain Defoe just two days before their pre-season friendly against Reading. The club announced the mutual agreement on Thursday night, bringing an abrupt end to Defoe’s six-match tenure in charge.
The former England striker took charge on March 29 and steered Woking to 10th in the 2025-26 National League season, winning two of his six games. Woking finished the campaign with 63 points from 46 games, 45 points behind league leaders York, and a goal difference of +15 (69 scored, 54 conceded). Their last result came on April 25, a 0-1 loss to FC Halifax Town, leaving them with two wins and one draw from their last five matches.
What happened at Woking?
A club statement read: “Woking can confirm that the club and first-team manager Jermain Defoe have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jermain for his contribution during his time at Woking, and we wish him every success in the future.”
Defoe himself posted on social media: “Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to leave my position as manager of Woking FC. Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position.”
He added: “I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special. I would like to thank Todd Johnson for giving me the opportunity to manage the club.”
Why it matters for Woking
Defoe’s exit leaves Woking needing to regroup before their season opener. The club remains focused on its objectives both on and off the pitch, with supporters’ backing crucial as they prepare for the new campaign.
Woking’s 10th-place finish in 2025-26 marked a solid mid-table return, though their recent form of two losses and one draw in their last three games shows work remains to be done. The club’s statement thanked Defoe for his efforts and wished him well, signaling a smooth transition ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Reading.
What comes next for Woking?
The pre-season friendly with Reading is still set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, with Woking aiming to kick off their preparations despite the managerial change. The club’s focus now turns to finalizing their plans for the season ahead, with supporters eager to see how the squad responds under new leadership.
Woking’s 2025-26 campaign ended with a 10th-place finish in the National League, 45 points behind York, and a goal difference of +15. Their last five matches produced two wins, one draw, and two losses, with the most recent a 0-1 defeat to FC Halifax Town on April 25, 2026.
