Jermain Defoe explains shock Woking exit after brief National League stint | OneFootball

Jermain Defoe has left his role as Woking manager after a short spell, saying he has mutually agreed to depart because circumstances made it impossible to continue into the new season.

The player said in a post that he was proud of the work done and disappointed the journey ended so soon, adding he felt they were building something special.

Appointed in March to replace Neal Ardley, the former England striker began his managerial career in the National League and lost only one of six matches as Woking finished 10th. That run featured a 3-0 win at in-form Gateshead in their final away game.

Defoe had been due to return to the International Stadium in the final week of the upcoming season to face a Gateshead side now led by former Sunderland team-mate Lee Cattermole.

He thanked Todd Johnson for the opportunity, praised supporters and said he was gutted for a fantastic group of players, wishing them success for the season ahead.

Defoe said he took great pride in what he, Paul Bracewell and Karl Halabi were building, describing his time at Woking as an eye-opening managerial experience that would undoubtedly make him stronger for his next challenge.

Source: Sunderland Echo