Jermain Defoe: Former England striker leaves role as Woking head coach after 116 days saying it was 'impossible' to continue
Former England international Jermain Defoe has left his role as head coach of Woking FC after just 116 days in charge; Defoe claimed in a statement it was 'impossible to continue' in his position; it was Defoe's first permanent managerial role of his career and he won two of his six games
Thursday 23 July 2026 22:48, UK
Jermaine Defoe has left his role as Woking FC head coach after just 116 days in charge, saying 'it was impossible' to continue.
The 43-year-old was appointed on March 29 and oversaw just six competitive matches, winning two and losing once as Woking finished 10th in the National League.
It was the former West Ham, Tottenham and England striker's first role as a head coach, and he described it as an 'eye-opening' experience.
"Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to leave my position as manager of Woking FC," Defoe shared on Instagram.
"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.
"I'm 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."
The Cardinals released a statement of their own, saying: "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."
Defoe's EFL aims blow up in smoke
Sky Sports had been in attendance for the opening two games of Defoe's venture into management - a six goal thriller against Eastleigh and a 0-0 draw with Braintree Town.
Speaking after the latter, Defoe laid out his belief they he could do 'something special' at the club, even harbouring hopes of getting promoted to the EFL.
"People talk about it being impossible. That means nothing. I truly believe that we can do something special," Defoe stated.
"When you become a manager and a coach, you want that sort of challenge. You want to get up in the morning and have a goal to strive to."
