Jermain Defoe, the one-time England forward, called his debut role in management a “revealing” chapter after leaving Woking of the National League, having overseen only six league matches across a four-month spell.
The 43-year-old took over from Neal Ardley in March and secured victories in two of those half-dozen fixtures, steering the side to a 10th-place standing at the close of the previous season.
Yet on Thursday, Woking announced Defoe’s tenure had finished suddenly, revealing they had “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect” a fortnight before their fresh campaign kicks off against Sutton United.
“Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position,” Defoe shared in an Instagram message.
“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 ninth and final match at the helm of Woking was a 1-0 reverse against Braintree Town, part of a trio of pre-season friendlies he managed on Tuesday.
He racked up 305 goals across 763 first-team outings for sides such as West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland, before hanging up his boots in 2022.
Defoe, who netted 20 times in 57 caps for his country, served on an interim coaching panel at Rangers in 2021 and subsequently took up a position within Tottenham’s youth system, departing in 2024 to chase a full-time management opportunity.
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