Jermain Defoe has left his role as Woking manager by mutual consent after just four months in charge. The club confirmed the former England striker's immediate departure on Thursday evening.
Defoe, who was appointed in late March, guided the National League side to a 10th-place finish last season. He won two of his six competitive matches in charge and had been preparing the team for the new campaign, which starts on 8 August against Sutton United. In a statement, Woking thanked Defoe for his contribution and wished him success.
Brown responds to criticism
Following the announcement, the club's director of football, Jody Brown, responded to criticism on social media regarding the club's transfer activity. A supporter had suggested Brown was responsible for selecting trialists against Defoe's wishes, leading to "empty promises".
Brown strongly refuted the claims. "Of the vast number of trialists, I did not choose one. Not one," he wrote. "Jermain led all recruitment and all trialists. All Jermain’s contacts, all linked to him. Every single one."
He added that the club had fulfilled every request made. "We gave everything that was asked. Everything," Brown stated. The club has since removed Brown's public comments from its official channels.
Defoe's brief tenure began with a 3-3 draw against Eastleigh and included victories in two of the subsequent five fixtures. He also oversaw two pre-season friendlies this summer against Sholing and Portsmouth. The 43-year-old's exit leaves Woking searching for a new manager just days before the National League season begins. The Cards will now aim to appoint a successor ahead of their opening day trip to Sutton United.
