Former England striker Jermain Defoe is set to take legal action against National League side Woking FC after a statement from director of football Jody Brown. Defoe parted ways with the club less than a fortnight before the start of the season, describing it as 'impossible to continue'.
Defoe's Legal Response
Defoe's representatives responded to Brown's statement, saying: "The statement issued by Jody Brown is highly detrimental to Jermain's reputation, and amounts to a serious defamation of character." They added that the suggestion Defoe made unreasonable demands is "simply untrue" and that he is "taking immediate legal advice and intends to pursue appropriate legal action in relation to the statements made."
Brown's Statement Details
Brown thanked Defoe for his contributions during his four months at the helm but alleged Defoe failed to attend a meeting with directors, the head of operations and the management team. Brown said in a statement: "Jermain's feedback was always positive, and he regularly expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for the season, both publicly and privately. I can therefore appreciate the surprise and subsequent speculation surrounding his sudden departure." He added that a report was requested on multiple occasions but never received, and that neither Defoe nor his assistant attended the scheduled meeting or that day's training session. Brown noted that throughout Defoe's tenure, he "had never communicated any serious concerns directly to me."
Woking's Current Situation
Woking kicked off their league campaign at home to Sutton United on August 8, with Craig Ross and Jake Hyde handed the reins on an interim basis. The club are now searching for their third manager in six months, following Defoe's appointment in March as replacement for Neal Ardley after a run of six defeats in nine National League fixtures. Ross and Hyde were initially appointed temporarily four months ago after Ardley's tenure ended following a 1-0 FA Trophy quarter-final defeat to Marine.
