Defoe 'didn't turn up' to meeting and training before shock Woking exit

Jermain Defoe left his position as Woking manager due to a breakdown in communication and a failure to show up to an important meeting, according to the club's director of football.

Former Premier League striker Defoe lasted just six games in charge of the National League side before his departure was announced on Thursday. The 43-year-old, who was appointed at the end of March, said it was "impossible to continue" in the role.

Defoe and Woking "mutually agreed" to part ways following two pre-season friendlies, but the sudden nature of the split made headlines. The Surrey side's director of football, Jody Brown, took to social media to defend the club's transfer policy on Friday and has now released a lengthy statement.

In it, Brown makes some damning claims about Defoe in an effort to give fans "some kind of clarity." "Success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership," Brown said.

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“I do not intend to discuss internal matters more than necessary or attribute blame," he added before going into lots detail. Brown says that, after being made aware of "growing concerns," he sought out information from Defoe and his assistant, Paul Bracewell.

Brown explained: "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.

“The experience has highlighted lessons for both myself and the club, particularly around communication with Jermain and his representatives throughout the four months and six matches he was with us. Throughout that period, the club’s objective remained the same: to support the players and staff and give the project every opportunity to succeed.

“I wish Jermain every success in the future and thank him and his staff for their efforts.”

Defoe has been approached by Mirror Football for comment.

In his own statement published on Thursday, he said: "Unfortunately circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position". He added that he was "extremely proud of the work undertaken" and was "really disappointed the journey has ended so soon."

"My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career," he added.