Woking confirmed Jermain Defoe’s shock departure as manager on Thursday, but the club’s director of football has given further details about the former Premier League and England striker’s departure.
Jermain Defoe leaves Woking after just four months (Image: PA)
Current director of football Jody Brown has defended the club’s transfer policy following the shock departure of Jermain Defoe. The National League side announced their parting ways with the Premier League legend on Thursday, with the player saying in a statement that “continuation is not possible”.
The 43-year-old took over at the end of March and led Woking to 10th place in English football’s fifth tier. The former England international striker won two of his six games in charge and was expected to lead the Surrey club into the 2026-27 season.
Defoe was in charge of two pre-season friendlies this summer, with Woking facing non-league side Schoring and then his former club Portsmouth.
But Mr Woking announced on Thursday night that his term had come to an abrupt end. “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 said in a statement.
“I would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Mr. Germaine for his contribution during his time at Woking Football Club and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. The club is committed to achieving its goals on and off the pitch and we would like to thank our supporters for their continued support.”
Jermain Defoe didn’t last long in Woking (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Now, Brown, the club’s director of football, has defended himself after being criticized for ‘X’. When one account asked if Defoe would be willing to answer some questions in his exit interview, the fan replied: “If you don’t mind, I’ll answer for you… Our director of football thinks he runs the club, takes all the shots, picks all the trialists, but there’s not a single player that JD wanted and the relationship with the owner is very tight. All of this led to empty promises.”
Brown then responded to a supporter’s post, claiming that Dafoe “led all recruiting efforts and all trial listings.” He said, “Out of the vast number of people to be tried, I did not choose one person. I did not choose one person.
“Jermaine led all the recruiting and all the trial lists. All of Jermaine’s contacts, everything is connected to him. Everything. Empty promises? We gave everything asked. Everything. I’m sure it will all come out in time.”
Jermain Defoe has been contacted by Mirror Football for comment.
Defoe’s Woking reign began with an entertaining 3–3 draw with Eastleigh, and he won two of his next five matches. He was preparing the team for the opening game of the season against Sutton United.
However, his surprise departure means the Cards are now looking for his successor ahead of National League play starting Aug. 8.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland marksman began his coaching career as Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Rangers five years ago. Defoe then returned to Spurs, working in the youth team before joining Woking.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page
