Defoe Ends Brief Managerial Stint at Woking After ‘Eye‑Opening’ Experience

Former England striker Jermain Defoe has described his first managerial role at National League side Woking as an eye‑opening experience, following his departure after just four months and six league games in charge.

The 43‑year‑old replaced Neal Ardley in March and secured two wins from those six matches, guiding the club to a 10th‑place finish in the previous season.

However, Woking announced on Thursday that the relationship had been terminated by mutual agreement with immediate effect – only two weeks before the new campaign’s opening fixture against Sutton United.

“Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position,” Defoe said in an Instagram post. “I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special. 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.”

Defoe’s final match in charge came as a 1‑0 defeat to Braintree Town during a pre‑season friendly on Tuesday. He netted 305 goals in 763 senior appearances for clubs including West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland before retiring in 2022, and he also made 20 appearances for England. After a spell as part of Rangers’ interim coaching staff in 2021 and subsequent work in Tottenham’s academy, Defoe left the Premier League club in 2024 to pursue a full‑time managerial career.

Source link