Jermain Defoe leaves Woking two weeks before start of season after ‘eye-opening’ experience

Jermain Defoe has left Woking just two weeks before the start of the new National League season after what he described as an “eye-opening experience” at the club. Defoe was appointed by the Surrey side in March as a surprise replacement Neal Ardley, and guided the club to a 10th-place finish after winning two of his six matches in charge. But just a fortnight before Woking were due to begin the new campaign against Sutton United, the former England striker’s abrupt departure was confirmed with immediate effect. “Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position," Defoe said in a post on social media. "I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special. "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." Defoe oversaw a 1-0 friendly defeat to Braintree Town on Tuesday. The 43-year-old scored 20 times in 57 international appearances for England and registered 162 times in the Premier League. “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jermain for his contribution during his time at Woking, and we wish him every success in the future.” Woking said in a statement on the former Tottenham and West Ham forward. “The club remains fully focused on delivering its objectives both on and off the pitch. We would like to thank our supporters for their continued support.”