Former England striker Jermain Defoe has described his first managerial role as an "eye-opening experience" after leaving National League side Woking following just four months and six league games in charge. The 43-year-old, who was appointed as Neal Ardley’s replacement in March, won two of those six matches and helped the club finish 10th last season.
Woking confirmed on Thursday that Defoe’s spell in charge had ended after the club and the former striker “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect” — just two weeks before their opening match of the new campaign 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 ninth and final game in charge of Woking was a 1-0 defeat by Braintree Town in one of three pre-season friendlies on Tuesday.
He scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances for clubs including West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland before retiring in 2022. Defoe, who scored 20 goals in 57 international appearances, was part of an interim coaching staff at Rangers in 2021 and later worked in Tottenham’s academy before leaving in 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial role.
What is the background to Defoe’s departure?
Defoe was brought in to replace Neal Ardley in March and was tasked with leading Woking through the final stretch of the previous season. His record of two wins from six league matches was enough to guide the club to a 10th-placed finish.
His departure comes shortly before Woking’s opening fixture of the new National League campaign against Sutton United, adding an unexpected change in leadership ahead of the season.
What was Defoe’s final game in charge?
Defoe’s last match in the dugout was the 1-0 pre-season defeat by Braintree Town on Tuesday. It was one of three friendly matches played by Woking as part of their preparations for the new season.
What has Defoe done in football before management?
Before moving into coaching, Defoe had a long playing career that saw him score 305 goals in 763 senior appearances for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland among others. He also scored 20 goals in 57 international appearances for England and represented his country at the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
After retiring in 2022, he worked with an interim coaching staff at Rangers in 2021 and then in the Tottenham academy before stepping away in 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial career.
Key Facts
- Jermain Defoe left Woking after four months and six league games in charge.
- Woking said both sides “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect”.
- Defoe won two of his six league matches and finished 10th last season.
- His final match was a 1-0 defeat by Braintree Town on Tuesday.
- He scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances and 20 goals in 57 England games.
