Jermain Defoe confirms Woking exit after eye-opening start to management | OneFootball

Jermain Defoe has left National League side Woking by mutual agreement after a brief spell in charge. The player said in a social media post that circumstances meant he could not carry on as manager.

Defoe was appointed in March, a surprise successor to Neal Ardley, as he began his managerial career in the top tier of non-league football. He lost just one of six matches, guiding the Cards to a 10th-place finish, including a 3-0 win at in-form Gateshead in their final away game.

In his message, Defoe said he was proud of the work undertaken and felt something special was being built. He thanked Todd Johnson for the opportunity, praised the supporters and said he was gutted for a fantastic group of players, wishing them success.

He added that, although disappointed the journey ended so soon, he leaves with pride in what he and staff Paul Bracewell and Karl Halabi were building. He described his time at Woking as an eye-opening managerial experience that he said would undoubtedly make him stronger for his next challenge.

Before his departure, Defoe had been due to return to the International Stadium in the final week of the upcoming season to face a Gateshead side managed by former Sunderland star Lee Cattermole.

Source: Sunderland Echo