Jermain Defoe leaves as manager of his first club after 116 days of 'eye-opening experience'

Former Tottenham, Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe has left his role as manager of National League club Woking after just 116 days in charge, describing it as an 'eye-opening experience'.

The 43-year-old was appointed to his first managerial role in March with six games left of the National League season.

Woking stated that Defoe was appointed following a 'detailed recruitment process', where his 'values, leadership style and footballing philosophy best aligned with its [the club's] long-term vision'.

He led Woking to two wins, three draws and a sole defeat in that time, with the Cards ultimately finishing in 10th place in the fifth tier of English football.

The club were already out of play-off contention when Defoe arrived, meaning focus quickly turned towards preparing for the new season.

Defoe oversaw Woking's first three pre-season matches and signed seven players ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

But just two weeks before the club's first game of the new National League season, Woking unexpectedly announced on Thursday night that they had 'mutually agreed' to part ways with Defoe.

"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," their statement reads.

"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 issues statement on Woking exit

The former striker subsequently released a statement to his social media platforms, claiming that circumstances had 'made it impossible' for him to continue managing the London-based club.

He added that his departure was mutually agreed.

"Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to leave my position as manager of Woking FC," Defoe wrote.

"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 [majority owner] 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."

He expressed that he was 'really disappointed the journey has ended so soon', adding: "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 would have been one of five former Premier League players to manage in the National League this season, with Rob Elliot, Lee Clark, Robbie Savage and Kieron Dyer in charge of Carlisle, Hartlepool, Forest Green and Southend respectively. Gary Waddock, who is in charge of Wealdstone, played in the 1982 FA Cup final and received 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland, as well as spending several seasons in the First Division with QPR.