Jermain Defoe has been sacked – or rather left – his job as manager of Woking after only 116 days in the chair. The former Tottenham and Sunderland striker describes the stay as “an eye-opening experience”.
The 43-year-old got his first managerial job in March, with only six games left of the season in the National League. Woking FC were already out of the play-offs when Defoe arrived, and the focus quickly turned to preparing for the new season.
Woking FC, which is based in Surrey with the nickname The Cardinals, has got ambitions after Todd Johnson bought the majority of the club two years ago.
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Defoe managed to lead Woking through two wins, three draws and only one loss – enough for 10th place in the fifth division. He was also behind three pre-season games and brought in seven new players for the 2026/27 season.
But just two weeks before the start of the season, the bombshell came: Woking confirmed on Thursday evening that they had “mutually agreed” with Defoe.
“The conditions made it impossible to continue”
In a statement on his own social media, Defoe wrote:
“After talks recently, I can confirm that we have agreed that I will step down as manager of Woking FC. Unfortunately, the conditions have made it impossible for me to continue in the position.
He emphasizes that he is very proud of the work that was put into the club:
“I really felt that we were building something special. I want to thank Todd Johnson [the club’s main owner] for the opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful to the supporters – and most of all the players, who I really feel sorry for. This is a fantastic group, and I wish them all the best in the season to come.
“I’m disappointed that the journey ended so quickly. My time at Woking has been an eye-opening managerial experience – and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career.
More Premier League names in the National League
Defoe would have been one of five former Premier League players as manager of the National League this season, along with Rob Elliot (Carlisle), Lee Clark (Hartlepool), Robbie Savage (Forest Green) and Kieron Dyer (Southend). Gary Waddock at Wealdstone also has a background in top-flight football – he played in the FA Cup final in 1982 and has 21 caps for Ireland.
Now Woking is without a manager – two weeks before the start of the season.
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