Woking chief hits out at Jermain Defoe by revealing there were ‘growing concerns’ about him across the club before his shock resignation

Woking director of football Jody Brown has thrown Jermain Defoe under the bus after he resigned as manager of the National League club earlier this week.

Sources told Daily Mail Sport that Defoe did not turn up for training on Thursday and later called the club to inform them that he would resign.

One source stated that there was infighting between Defoe and a member of the Woking hierarchy.

And Brown, who has faced heavy criticism from Woking fans in recent days, put the blame on Defoe.

Meanwhile, Defoe posted a photo of himself driving a Range Rover on Instagram with the caption: ‘Who suits a hat, let them wear it’; apparently critical of his former employer.

Brown said in a statement: ‘Jermain Defoe was an outstanding player, scored many goals and is a very likeable man.

‘The feeling I get from the football industry and its global support is not a huge surprise but of course our own fan base wants and deserves some form of clarity.

“The recommendation to appoint Jermain as manager is mine and I take full responsibility for it. After meeting him a number of times I am convinced that he is the right person to lead the club into an exciting new era. As we have seen many times before, success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership. I sincerely hope that he is successful in whatever direction he goes.

‘I do not intend to unduly discuss internal matters or place blame. I’ve seen the speculations. Instead, I would like to make it clear that the club is committed to supporting Jermain in every way during his time in this role.

‘All player recruitment, squad decisions and football matters were greatly influenced by Jermain and he was given the necessary operational and board support. There are processes to be followed in every organization. Just a few days before his departure, the club was delighted to sign an excellent player identified by Jermain, once again showing the club’s support until his final day.

‘Jermain’s feedback was always positive and he regularly expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for the season both publicly and privately. So I can appreciate the surprise of his sudden departure and the speculation that followed.

However, in recent weeks there has been feedback about growing concerns across the club, including from players, staff and other departments. To better understand the situation, I asked Jermain and Paul for a brief report outlining the team’s current depth, recruiting goals, and operational challenges; Thus, we can provide the necessary support and accelerate the preparations for the season. This report has been requested multiple times but never received.

‘Later, a meeting was planned with the participation of the directors, manager, assistant manager and Head of Operations to review the preparations for the season. Neither Jermain nor his assistant attended that meeting or training that day. During his tenure, Jermain never expressed serious concerns directly to me, so I won’t speculate on his reasons.

‘Every football club faces challenges. Players want more playing time, improved contracts or transfers. The media team may want better equipment, the medical department may want more interns, the strength and conditioning staff may want larger gym space. and parking attendants may want more coffee. But people don’t fail to show up.

‘This experience has taught important lessons for both myself and the club, particularly regarding communication with Jermain and his representatives over the four months and six matches he was with us. Throughout this period the club’s goal has remained the same: to support the players and staff and to give the project every opportunity to succeed.

‘I wish Jermain every success in the future and thank him and his team for their efforts.’

‘Our focus is now absolutely on Woking Football Club and everyone who cares about it, while maintaining the necessary standards, culture and preparations ahead of the new season.’

Brown had mocked the statements about X, claiming that Defoe was calling the shots, despite speculation that Brown had intervened.

‘I didn’t choose one from a huge list of essays,’ he said. ‘Not one of them. Jermain led all recruiting and all tryout rosters. All of Jermain’s connections are all connected to him. Each. Empty promises? We gave everything requested. Everything. I’m sure everything will be revealed in due time.’

In an Instagram post on Thursday night, Defoe added: ‘Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to step down as manager of Woking FC. Unfortunately, circumstances ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in this position.

‘I am extremely proud of the work done during my time at the club and felt we were building something truly special.

I want to thank Todd Johnson for giving me the opportunity to manage the club. I am incredibly grateful to the fans and, most importantly, to the players, for whom I feel truly sorry. The group is a great group and I wish the team success in the coming season.

‘It’s really disappointing that the journey has ended so quickly, but I leave with great pride in what Paul Bracewell, Karl Halabi and I have built at the club.

‘My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening management experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge of my career.’