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Woking’s director of football Jody Brown has claimed Jermain Defoe did not turn up for a meeting and training ahead of stepping down as head coach after just four months in charge.
Defoe, whose contract at the National League club mutually expired on Thursday, took on his first managerial role in March, winning two and losing one of his six matches.
Former West Ham, Tottenham and England striker Said the situation made it “impossible for me to continue”. and described the work as an “eye-opening” experience.
But in an extraordinary statement on Saturday morning, Wokings attacked Brown Defoe, saying “success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership” and there was “growing concern” at the club in pre-season.
Brown, who oversaw Defoe’s recruitment, believes Woking was “totally committed” to supporting him and said recruitment, personnel decisions and football matters were “hugely influenced” by the 43-year-old.
“The recommendation to hire Jermaine as manager was mine and I take full responsibility,” Brown said. “Having met him a number of times, I believe he is the right person to lead the club into an exciting new era.
“As we’ve seen many times before, success as a player doesn’t always translate to management and leadership. I sincerely hope he succeeds in whatever direction he pursues.”
Brown then revealed a contributing factor in Defoe’s shock departure.
He said: “Jermain’s reaction has always been positive, and he has regularly expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for this season, both publicly and privately. So I can appreciate the surprise and subsequent speculation surrounding his sudden departure.
“However, in recent weeks there has been feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, about growing concerns. To better understand the situation, I asked Jermaine and Paul (Bracewell, assistant) for a brief report outlining the current depth of the squad, recruitment targets and any operational challenges, so we can provide more than necessary support in preparation for the season. But never received.
“Later a meeting was scheduled with the director, manager, assistant manager and head of operations to review the preparations for the season. Neither Jermaine nor his assistants attended that meeting or that day’s training session. In his entire tenure, Jermaine has never directly raised any serious concerns with me, so I’m not going to speculate as to why.
“Every football club faces challenges. Players want more playing time, better contracts or transfers. Media teams want better equipment, more medical department interns, strength and conditioning staff want bigger gyms. And car park attendants may want more coffee. But people just don’t fail to keep coming back.”
Sky Sports News Defoe has been contacted for comment.
Defoe previously revealed his decision to leave Woking in a post on Instagram. He wrote: “Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to relinquish my position as manager of Woking FC.
“Unfortunately, circumstances ultimately made it impossible for me to remain in this position.
“I am extremely proud of the work that has been done during my time at the club and really feel we are 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 truly inspired by. The group is a great one, and I wish the squad every success for the coming season.
“I’m really disappointed that the journey has come to an end so soon, but I’m leaving with great pride in what Paul Bracewell, Carl Halaby and I have been building at the club.
“My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and will undoubtedly strengthen me for the next challenge in my career.”
Defoe’s EFL goals blow away
Sky Sports Attended the opening two games Defoe’s initiative in management – a six-goal thriller against Eastleg and a 0-0 draw with Braintree Town.
Speaking after the latter, Defoe expressed his belief that he could do “something special” at the club, even harboring hopes of promotion to the EFL.
“People say it’s impossible. That means nothing. I really believe we can do something special,” Defoe said.
“When you’re a manager and a coach, you want that kind of challenge. You want to get up in the morning and have a goal to strive for.”
