Jermain Defoe's first job as a manager has come to an end after just four months. National League side Woking announced on Thursday that they had parted ways with the Premier League icon, who said in a statement that it was 'impossible to continue'.
Defoe's brief tenure
Defoe, 43, was appointed at the end of March and guided Woking to a 10th-place finish in the fifth tier. The ex-England striker won two of his six games in charge and was expected to lead the Surrey outfit into the 2026-27 season.
But Woking announced on Thursday evening that his reign has come to an end. The club said: "Woking Football Club can confirm that the club and First Team Manager Jermain Defoe have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
"We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jermain for his contribution during his time at Woking Football Club, and we wish him every success in the future. The club remains fully focused on delivering its objectives both on and off the pitch. We would like to thank our supporters for their continued support."
Defoe's statement
Defoe then issued a statement of his own on social media. The 43-year-old explained: "Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to leave my position as manager of Woking FC.
"Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position. I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special.
"I would like to thank Todd Johnson for giving me the opportunity to manage the club. I am incredibly grateful to the supporters and, most importantly, the players, who I am genuinely gutted for. The group is a fantastic one, and I wish the squad every success for the season ahead.
"I'm really disappointed the journey has ended so soon, but I leave with great pride in what Paul Bracewell, Karl Halabi and I were building at the club.
"My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career."
Background
Defoe took charge of two pre-season friendlies, as Woking faced non-league side Sholing before taking on Portsmouth, one of his former clubs. The Tottenham hero worked as a coach in Spurs' academy for two years before leaving in 2024 to pursue his first head coach role.
That arrived in March with Woking sitting 11th. The Cardinals had sacked Neal Ardley, with ambitions of finishing inside the play-offs. Woking will now look to appoint a new manager in time for the National League season which starts on Saturday, August 8.
