‘Do not just fail to turn up’ – Woking blast Jermain Defoe in lengthy statement after ex-England star’s shock sacking

WOKING have issued a damning statement following the departure of Jermain Defoe as manager. The former England star left the National League club on Thursday after just four months in charge. Jermain Defoe has been slammed by Woking in a lengthy statement after his exit just four months into the job Credit: Getty Defoe, 43, was criticised for ‘failing to turn up’ to a meeting despite the striker insisting in his own statement it was ‘impossible’ for him to continue Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Defoe managed a total of six league games after being named as the replacement for Neal Ardley in March, winning two of those games to see the club finish 10th in the league. However, the 43-year-old released a statement on social media saying it had become “impossible for me to continue in the position,” adding the experience had been “eye-opening”. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But Woking have now hit back in a statement of their own, insisting the former Tottenham and Sunderland ace was supported by the higher-ups at the club and going so far as to slam Defoe for “not turning up” to a meeting. A statement from Woking director of football, Jody Brown, said: “I do not intend to discuss internal matters more than necessary or attribute blame. I’ve seen the speculation. “Instead, I want to make clear that the club was fully committed to supporting Jermain in every sense throughout his time in the role. “All player recruitment, staffing decisions and football matters were heavily influenced by Jermain, and he was given the necessary operational and board support. “In any organisation there are processes to follow. Just days before his departure, the club were delighted to finalise the signing of an excellent player identified by Jermain, again illustrating the support the club had given right up until his final day.” Brown continued: “However, in recent weeks there had been feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, regarding growing concerns. Most read in Sport “To better understand the situation, I asked Jermain and Paul 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. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK “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.” Brown concluded the lengthy statement by saying it highlighted lessons around communication for himself and the club, before wishing Defoe and his staff success in the future. In his own statement, Defoe confirmed a mutual exit agreement before saying he was unable to continue in the role due to unspecified circumstances. He said: “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. “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.” SunSport has approached Defoe for comment. Top football travel deals Comment now