Former England striker Jermain Defoe’s departure as manager of non-league side Woking came after “growing concerns”, the club’s director of football has said.
Defoe, who made more than 750 senior appearances for the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland in a playing career spanning more than two decades, left the National League side after just four months in charge.
The 43-year-old and the club “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect” earlier this week, with Defoe saying it was “impossible for me to continue” and describing his time at the club as an “eye-opening” experience.
The club’s director of football Jody Brown has since offered his version of events, claiming there were concerns prior to Defoe’s exit.
“Jermain’s feedback was always positive, and he regularly expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for the season, both publicly and privately,” Brown said in a statement published on the club’s website.
“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.”
‘People do not just fail to turn up’
Brown said he had asked Defoe and assistant Paul Bracewell for a report on the squad’s “current depth, recruitment targets and any operational challenges” in a bid to “provide the support required and accelerate preparations for the season”.
“That report was requested on more than one occasion but was never received,” Brown said.
Brown also claimed in the statement that Defoe, in his first senior managerial role, failed to turn up to a scheduled meeting and that day’s training session.
“Throughout his tenure, Jermain had never communicated any serious concerns directly to me, so I am not going to speculate on his reasons,” Brown said.
“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. Throughout that period, the club’s objective remained the same: to support the players and staff and give the project every opportunity to succeed.”
Brown added: “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.”
Defoe has not publicly responded to Woking’s claims.
