Jermain Defoe: Former England striker leaves role as Woking head coach after 116 days saying it was 'impossible' to continue
Jermain Defoe has resigned as head coach of Woking FC after only 116 days, citing 'impossible' circumstances. While Defoe claims the environment was untenable, the club's director of football disputes this, stating the coach was fully supported in recruitment.
Why it matters
The sudden departure of a high-profile former player from a management role underscores the volatility and pressures of lower-league football management.
Jermain Defoe has left his role as Woking head coach after just 116 days in charge, saying "it was impossible" to continue. <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>However, Woking's director of football Jody Brown has denied there was a rift with Defoe over player recruitment - and says the former England and Tottenham striker was given "everything that was asked".</p><p>Brown, replying to a supporter via<em> X</em> on Thursday evening, said: "Of the vast number of triallist[s], I did not choose one. Not one. Jermain led all recruitment and all triallists. All Jermain's contacts, all linked to him. Every single one. Empty promises?
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