Jermain Defoe leaves Woking after just 116 days in charge

Jermain Defoe is no longer the manager of National League side Woking. The former England, Tottenham and West Ham striker has parted ways with the club after only 116 days at the helm, with both sides agreeing to terminate his contract. The decision comes just two weeks before the start of the new National League season. Defoe was appointed on March 29 and oversaw six matches, winning two of them. Woking finished 10th in the 2025/26 campaign under his leadership. On Thursday evening, Woking released a statement: "The club can confirm that first-team manager Jermain Defoe and the club have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. We would like to formally place on record our sincere thanks to Jermain for his contribution during his time at Woking and wish him the very best in his future endeavors." The 42-year-old responded on Instagram, explaining that circumstances made it impossible to continue. He said he is immensely proud of the work done and felt they were building something special. Defoe thanked owner Todd Johnson for the opportunity, as well as the fans and players, calling the squad fantastic. He also highlighted the experience working with Paul Bracewell and Carl Halabi, which he believes has made him stronger for future coaching challenges. Defoe hung up his boots in 2022 after a stint at Sunderland. He began his coaching career as an assistant in 2021 and later worked with Tottenham's youth teams. This spring he got his first head coach role at Woking, but it turned out to be a short-lived chapter.