Jermain Defoe has walked away from National League Woking after just four months in charge.
Defoe managed six competitive matches at Woking and had been preparing the side for the new season but has abruptly quit his role.
Sources have told Daily Mail Sport that Defoe did not turn up to take training on Thursday and later called the club to inform them he would be stepping down.
One source indicated there was internal conflict between Defoe and a member of the Woking hierarchy. The National League club have declined to comment any further.
In a statement, Woking 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.
Jermain Defoe (left) has left his role as Woking manager after less than five months in charge
‘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.’
The 43-year-old had played a key role in Woking’s pre-season, overseeing friendlies against Sholing and one of his former clubs, Portsmouth.
Fans were left livid with the lack of explanation from the club, with one writing on X: ‘Can I mutually agree to terminate my season ticket as I’ve had enough of this club.’Β
In August 2022, Defore took up a role as an academy coach atΒ Tottenham, while he had a brief stint as Rangers caretaker manager while a player there in 2021, and he also helped out on Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff at the time.
He worked as a coach of the Under-18 team at his former side, before departing in July 2024 to focus on his managerial career. Now, he has taken his first permanent job in charge of a senior side.
Woking compete in the fifth tier of English football, currently sitting 11th in the National League table with faint hopes of qualifying for the play-offs. Former manager Neal Ardley and Assistant Manager Simon Bassey were sacked at the start of the month.
Defoe said upon his appointment: ‘Woking is a historic club with huge potential, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting project. I can’t wait to get started.’
As a player, Defoe featured 363 times for Tottenham in three different stints, while he also played for the likes of Portsmouth, Sunderland and West Ham.
At international level, he played 57 times for England, scoring 20 goals. He last played for the Three Lions in 2017.
Defoe’s representatives have been contacted for comment.Β
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