Woking FC’s Director of Football Jody Brown has claimed that Jermain Defoe missed a key meeting and never communicated discontent before suddenly leaving his role as manager this week. The former Spurs, West Ham United and Sunderland striker departed the fifth tier club just two weeks before the start of the National League campaign. The 43-year-old ended his “eye-opening” 116-day stint in charge of Woking because “circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position”. Defoe was appointed by the Surrey outfit in March, winning two of his six matches in charge to lead the club to a 10th-place finish. Woking FC hit back at Jermain Defoe following shock exitWoking were taken aback by his abrupt departure, with Brown releasing a statement on Saturday in which he pointed out that the club had finalised the signing of a player identified by the now former manager just days before his exit. Brown stressed that Defoe had the full backing and support of the club during his four-month reign, mentioning that “all player recruitment, staffing decisions and football matters were heavily influenced by Jermain”. There were, however, “growing concerns” within the club, and Brown sought a report from Defoe and assistant manager Paul Bracewell “outlining the squad’s current depth, recruitment targets and any operational challenges” so that the club could provide the necessary support ahead of next season. Despite request the report multiple times, Brown claims one was never received. Brown added that a meeting involving the directors, manager, assistant manager and Head of Operations “to review preparations for the season” was subsequently scheduled, but neither Defoe nor his assistant attended the meeting or that day’s training session. “Every football club faces challenges,” Brown continued. “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 statement by wishing Defoe all the best in his future endeavours and said the focus of Woking FC was now on “maintaining the standards, culture and preparations required ahead of the new season”. Woking FC hit back at Jermain Defoe following shock exitThe former England striker spent just 116 days at the non-league club.Ste McGovern·25/07/2026Arsenal ‘exploring’ transfer deal for Real Madrid superstarArsenal are reportedly looking into a potential deal for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in the summer transfer window. The Brazil international…Ste McGovern·25/07/2026Arsenal eye Julian Alvarez in Gyokeres swap dealArsenal are considering a player-plus-cash deal for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, which would see Viktor Gyökeres move the other way. Cadena…Ayoob Rahman·25/07/2026Real Madrid working on deal to sign Rodri from Man CityReal Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, The Athletic reports. Club-to-club talks have yet to take…Ayoob Rahman·25/07/2026Liverpool vs Sunderland – Predicted lineup and team newsLiverpool take on Sunderland at Geodis Park this Saturday as Andoni Iraola continues preparations for the new season. Liverpool approach this match…Mohon Chanda·25/07/2026Leeds in talks with Man City for goalkeeper James TraffordLeeds United are in talks to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, BBC Sport reports. The England international could leave the Etihad…Ayoob Rahman·25/07/2026Read – Spurs confident of Savinho deal but Man City hold the keySee Also – Fantasy Premier League: Every major change announced ahead of 2026/27Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Woking FC hit back at Jermain Defoe following shock exit appeared first on The Football Faithful.