Jermain Defoe leaves Woking after less than four months in charge as club gives statement

Jermain Defoe has left his role as Woking manager after just four months and six competitive games in charge.

The ex-Premier League striker was only appointed manager of the National League side in March, but he has now departed suddenly.

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He took charge of six games in his first job as a boss, winning two and losing just one, as the club finished 10th in the table.

Defoe’s departure comes just over two weeks before the start of the 2026/27 season which sees them play host to Sutton United on August 8 at Kingfield Stadium.

Woking statement

In a statement released by Woking on Thursday, they wrote: “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.

“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.”

As mentioned, Defoe leaves after just four months as manager and having started pre-season with his squad.

Woking played Sholing on July 11 and Portsmouth on July 14.

The non-league club won the first clash and lost 2-1 to Pompey.

When it comes to Defoe’s league record in charge, he drew both of his opening two games, including a dramatic 3-3 against Eastleigh in his first-ever match as a manager.

He then picked up his maiden three points in a 5-1 victory over Morecambe, following that with another draw.

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Woking then won 3-0 against Gateshead in their second-to-last game of the season, losing on the final day at home to Halifax.

A gamble that didn’t pay off

When taking the job in March, Defoe admitted that it was a ‘gamble’ to take a role in the fifth tier as his first job.

He said: “I think if you speak to any manager, regardless of the league and the standard, it’s always going to be a gamble.

“I think you’ve got to be positive. You have to always back yourself.

“You have to believe that you’re good enough because when you go into any situation thinking negatively, that’s going to happen.”

He added: “Just because I’ve had a good career, I can’t expect to jump straight in at the top.

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“This is something I’ve always wanted. I’ve waited a long time. I’ve done all the courses, I’ve put in the hours and now it’s here, I’m going to enjoy it.”

Unfortunately for him, his enjoyment didn’t last very long, as he leaves Woking after just four months in charge.