Former England international, Woking pulled out after ‘growing concerns’
The departure of former England striker Jermain Defoe as non-playing club manager at Woking came after “growing concerns”, the club’s director of football has said.
Defoe, who made more than 750 appearances for the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland in a playing career spanning more than two decades, left the National League club after just four months in charge.
The 43-year-old and the club “agreed to part ways with immediate effect” earlier this week, with Defoe saying it was “impossible for me to move on” and describing his time at the club as an “eye-opener”.
Director of football Jody Brown has given his own version of events, saying there were concerns before Defoe’s exit.
“Jermain’s response has always been positive, and he has always expressed his passion and excitement for the season, both publicly and privately,” Brown said in a statement posted on the team’s website.
“So I can appreciate the surprise and speculation that followed his sudden departure.
“However, in recent weeks there has been feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, about growing concerns.”
‘People just fail to come’
Brown said he had asked Defoe and assistant Paul Bracewell for a report on the “current depth of the squad, recruitment targets and any operational challenges” in a bid to “provide the necessary support and speed up preparations for the season”.
“That report was requested more than once but it was not received,” said Brown.
Brown also said in a statement that Defoe, in his first managerial role, failed to attend a scheduled meeting and training session for the day.
“Throughout his time, Jermain had never told me his concerns, so I’m not going to speculate on his reasons,” Brown said.
“All football clubs are facing challenges. The players want more playing time, improved contracts or transfers. The press team may want better equipment, a medical department with more trainees, a strength and conditioning gym. And the car park staff may want more coffee. But people just don’t turn up.
“The experience emphasized the lessons for me and the team, especially regarding the communication with Jermain and his representatives during the four months and six games he was with us. During all that time, the team’s goal has not changed: to support the players and staff and to give the project every chance to succeed.”
Brown added: “As we have seen many times before, success as a player does not always mean management and leadership.
Defoe did not respond publicly to Woking’s claims.
