Woking director of football Jody Brown has hit out at Jermain Defoe after he resigned as manager at the National League club earlier this week.
Sources 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 after four months in charge.
One source indicated there was internal conflict between Defoe and a member of the Woking hierarchy.
And now, Brown – who has faced heavy criticism from Woking supporters in recent days – has shifted the blame onto Defoe.
Defoe, meanwhile, has posted a picture of him driving a Range Rover captioned ‘Who the cap fits, let them wear it’ on Instagram – seemingly digging at his former employers.
In a statement, Brown said: ‘Jermain Defoe was an outstanding player, scored a vast number of goals, and is a very likeable guy.
‘The feeling I get from within the football industry and its global support is not one of great surprise, but of course our own fanbase want and deserve some kind of clarity.
‘The recommendation to appoint Jermain as manager was mine, and I take full responsibility for it. After meeting with him on several occasions, I believed he was the right person to lead the club into an exciting new era. As we have seen many times before, success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership. I sincerely hope to see him succeed in whichever direction he follows.
Jermain Defoe resigned as manager of National League side Woking on Thursday
Defoe spent just four months at the non-league club, overseeing six games
‘All player recruitment, staffing decisions and football matters were heavily influenced by Jermain, and he was given the necessary operational and board support. Just days before his departure, the club were delighted to finalise the signing of an excellent player identified by Jermain, again illustrating the support the club had given right up until his final day.
‘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.
‘However, in recent weeks there had been feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, regarding growing concerns. To better understand the situation, I asked Jermain and Paul for a brief report outlining the squad’s current depth, recruitment targets and any operational challenges, so we could provide the support required and accelerate preparations for the season. That report was requested on more than one occasion but was never received.
‘A meeting was subsequently scheduled involving the directors, manager, assistant manager and head of operations to review preparations for the season. Neither Jermain nor his assistant attended that meeting or that day’s training session. Throughout his tenure, Jermain had never communicated any serious concerns directly to me.
‘Every football club faces challenges. Players want more game time, improved contracts or transfers. The media team might want better equipment, the medical department more interns, the strength and conditioning staff larger gym space and the car park attendants may want more coffee. But people do not just fail to turn up.
‘The experience has highlighted lessons for both myself and the club, particularly around communication with Jermain and his representatives throughout the four months and six matches he was with us.’
Brown had teased revelations on X, claiming that Defoe was calling the shots at Woking in response to speculation that Brown had been overstepping in the recruitment operation.
Supporters in the replies, however, pointed to various transfer announcements in which Brown had noted that he had been tracking the players for several years.
‘Of the vast number of triallists, I did not choose one,’ Brown said. ‘Not one. Jermain led all recruitment and all triallists. All Jermain’s contacts, all linked to him. Every single one. Empty promises? We gave everything that was asked. Everything. I’m sure it’ll all come out in due course.’
The Woking job was the first foray into management for former Spurs triker Defoe, capped 57 times by England
Former Spurs striker Defoe lost just one of his six games in charge, as the Surrey-based outfit finished 10th in the fifth tier.
In an Instagram post on Thursday night, Defoe added: ‘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.
‘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. JD.’
Former Woking player Jake Hyde and goalkeeper coach/player Craig Ross have taken interim charge at the club.
