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Jermain Defoe departs Woking after brief managerial tenure

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 9:02 PM

Last updated Jul 23, 2026

Jermain Defoe departs Woking after brief managerial tenure

Summary

Jermain Defoe has parted ways with National League club Woking after four months in charge, confirmed on July 23, 2026. Defoe took over from Neal Ardley in March, managing the team through nine matches, winning two and finishing the previous season in 10th place. He described his managerial experience as 'eye-opening' and cited circumstances preventing him from continuing. Woking will now seek a new manager ahead of their upcoming match against Sutton United.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Defoe managed Woking for four months and nine matches.
•He won two of six league matches during his tenure.
•The club mutually agreed to part ways with Defoe on July 23.
•Defoe described his time as an eye-opening managerial experience.
•Woking's next match is against Sutton United.

Latest Updates

6:37 AMYahoo Sports — Jermain Defoe leaves Woking two weeks before start of season after ‘eye-opening’ experience
9:02 PMYahoo Sports — Defoe leaves Woking after four months in charge
9:02 PMBBC Sport — Defoe leaves Woking after 'eye-opening' first managerial role

What they're saying

"
Former England and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has described his first managerial job as an "eye-opening experience" following his departure from National League side Woking after just four months and nine matches in charge.
— Yahoo Sports

"
Former England and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has described his first managerial job as an "eye-opening experience" following his departure from National League side Woking after just four months and nine matches in charge.
— BBC Sport