Woking’s director of football Jody Brown claims Jermain Defoe didn’t turn up for a meeting and training before he left his role as head coach after just four months in charge.
Defoe had his contract at the National League club mutually terminated on Thursday, having only taken his first managerial role in March, winning two and losing one of his six matches.
The former Tottenham and England striker said that circumstances had made it “impossible for me to continue” and described the job as an “eye-opening” experience.
But in an extraordinary statement on Saturday morning, Woking’s Brown hit back at Defoe, saying “success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership” and that there were “growing concerns” within the club during pre-season.
Brown, who oversaw Defoe’s appointment, believes Woking were “fully committed” to supporting him and said recruitment, staffing decisions and football matters were “heavily influenced” by the 43-year-old.
“The recommendation to appoint Jermain as manager was mine, and I take full responsibility for it,” Brown said. “After meeting with him on several occasions, I believed he was the right person to lead the club into an exciting new era.
“As we have seen many times before, success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership. I sincerely hope to see him succeed in whichever direction he follows.”
Brown then revealed a contributing factor to Defoe’s shock departure.
He said: “Jermain’s feedback was always positive, and he regularly expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for the season, both publicly and privately. I can therefore appreciate the surprise and subsequent speculation surrounding his sudden departure.
“However, in recent weeks there had been feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, regarding growing concerns. To better understand the situation, I asked Jermain and Paul (Bracewell, assistant) for a brief report outlining the squad’s current depth, recruitment targets and any operational challenges, so we could provide the support required and accelerate preparations for the season. That report was requested on more than one occasion but was never received.
“A meeting was subsequently scheduled involving the directors, manager, assistant manager and head of operations to review preparations for the season. Neither Jermain nor his assistant attended that meeting or that day’s training session. Throughout his tenure, Jermain had never communicated any serious concerns directly to me, so I am not going to speculate on his reasons.
“Every football club faces challenges. Players want more game time, improved contracts or transfers. The media team might want better equipment, the medical department more interns, the strength and conditioning staff larger gym space. and the car park attendants may want more coffee. But people do not just fail to turn up.”
Sky Sports News has contacted Defoe for comment.
Defoe had earlier 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 leave my position as manager of Woking FC.
“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.”
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 that he could do “something special” at the club, even harboring 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.”
