Jermain Defoe has hit back at Woking director of football Jody Brown and threatened legal action after departing as manager of the National League side. The 43-year-old left the club less than a fortnight before the new season, saying it was 'impossible to continue'.
Brown defended the club's decision and transfer strategy online, prompting Defoe's legal team to respond. They said Brown's statement was 'highly detrimental to Jermain's reputation and amounts to a serious defamation of character'.
Accusations of missed meetings
Brown accused Defoe of failing to attend a meeting with directors, operations staff and the management team. He also said Defoe had not communicated serious concerns directly. Defoe's representatives called the suggestion of unreasonable demands 'simply untrue' and said he is taking immediate legal advice.
Defoe took charge at Woking in March and was preparing for his first full season. His departure on the eve of the campaign raised questions, leading Brown to issue a statement on the club's official website.
Brown's version of events
Brown stated that Defoe always expressed enthusiasm but that concerns had been raised by players and staff. He requested a report on squad depth and recruitment targets, which was never received. A subsequent meeting was scheduled but neither Defoe nor his assistant attended.
Brown acknowledged lessons in communication with Defoe and his representatives during his four-month tenure, which included six matches. He said the club's aim remained to support the squad and give the project every chance to succeed.
Interim management and season ahead
Woking begin their league campaign at home against Sutton United on 8 August. Craig Ross and Jake Hyde are overseeing the team on a temporary basis. The club is searching for a third manager in six months after Defoe replaced Neal Ardley in March following a run of six defeats in nine National League games.
Ross and Hyde were initially appointed on an interim basis four months ago when Ardley left after a 1-0 FA Trophy quarter-final loss to Marine.
