Woking FC have rejected Jermain Defoe’s reasons for leaving the club two weeks before the new National League season. The fifth-tier side finished 10th in 2025 with 63 points from 46 games, scoring 69 and conceding 54.
What happened at Woking FC?
Defoe, 43, ended his 116-day spell as Woking manager on Friday. He cited “circumstances” as the reason for his abrupt departure, just two weeks before the league campaign begins. The former Spurs, West Ham and Sunderland striker had won two of his six matches in charge, guiding Woking to a 10th-place finish in England’s fifth tier.
Why the club hit back
Woking’s Director of Football Jody Brown released a statement on Saturday. He claimed Defoe missed a scheduled meeting and never attended training on the same day. The club had also finalised a player signing Defoe had identified days earlier, yet Brown said no squad report was ever delivered despite repeated requests.
Brown stressed the club backed Defoe fully during his four-month reign. “All player recruitment, staffing decisions and football matters were heavily influenced by Jermain,” he said. But growing concerns led to a request for a report on squad depth, recruitment targets and operational challenges to help plan for next season.
The missing report and meeting
Brown said the club asked Defoe and assistant manager Paul Bracewell for a written update multiple times. None arrived. A meeting involving directors, the manager, his assistant and the Head of Operations was then scheduled to review pre-season preparations. Neither Defoe nor Bracewell attended.
“Every football club faces challenges,” Brown wrote. “Players want more game time, improved contracts or transfers. The media team might want better equipment, the medical department more interns, the strength and conditioning staff larger gym space, and the car park attendants may want more coffee. But people do not just fail to turn up.”
What comes next for Woking FC
Brown wished Defoe well and said the club’s focus is now on maintaining standards ahead of the new season. Woking open their campaign soon after finishing 10th in England’s National League last time out, 45 points behind runaway leaders York City. Their last result was a 0-1 home loss to FC Halifax Town on April 25, 2026, and they have lost their last two matches.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 10th in England National League, 63 pts, 16W-15D-15L from 46 games, recent form LWDWD.
