'Impossible to continue': Ex-Portsmouth, Sunderland and Spurs man in shock managerial exit after four months
The former England striker scored 17 goals in 36 appearances in a 12-month spell at Fratton Park
Jermain Defoe has surprisingly left Woking - just 10 days after overseeing a friendly against former club Pompey.
And the former England striker has cited circumstances at the National League club making it ‘impossible’ for him to continue.
It was last night announced that the 43-year-old had departed the Cards by mutual consent after four months, having joined in March.
Representing his first managerial role, Defoe would ultimately take charge for just six competitive matches, while he was also at the helm for three friendlies this summer, including last week’s 2-1 defeat to Pompey.
Woking’s most recent match was a 1-0 friendly loss at Braintree on Tuesday evening - and 48 hours later he was gone.
‘Really disappointed the journey has ended so soon’
In a statement on his Instagram account, Defoe 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.
‘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.’
Appointed as Woking boss in March
Woking are scheduled to host Reading on Saturday in their penultimate friendly ahead of the National League season kicking off against Sutton United on August 8.
Defoe was appointed as Neal Ardley’s replacement in March and lost one of his six fixtures at the end of the 2025-26 season as the Cards finished 10th.
With hopes high of the former Spurs and Sunderland man spearheading a successful season, he set about overhauling their squad during pre-season.
Having won their opening friendly 2-1 at Sholing, Defoe’s men welcomed Pompey, a former club, to the Kingfield Stadium last week.
Although Colby Bishop gave the Championship visitors the lead, Harrison Sohna’s leveller ensured it was 1-1 at the interval.
However, five minutes into the second half, substitute Thomas Waddingham accepted Brandon Downey’s pass and produced a left-footed finish which would earn the Blues victory.
‘We wish him every success in the future’
In an official statement, Woking said: ‘Woking Football Club can confirm that the club and First Team Manager Jermain Defoe have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
‘We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jermain for his contribution during his time at Woking Football Club, and we wish him every success in the future.
‘The club remains fully focused on delivering its objectives both on and off the pitch. We would like to thank our supporters for their continued support.’
During his time at Fratton Park, Defoe scored 17 goals in 36 appearances in a 12-month spell which ended when he was sold to Spurs in January 2009 - the club he had joined the Blues from previously.