"Woking Calls Out Jermain Defoe After Shocking Sacking: 'Don't Just Stay Away!'"

WOKING have issued a damning statement following the departure of Jermain Defoe as manager.

The former 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”.

But Woking have now hit back in a statement of their own, insisting the former and 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 , 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.

“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.

“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.