Former England striker Jermain Defoe has ended his four-month tenure as manager of National League side Woking. He described the experience as "eye-opening" after the club confirmed they had "mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect."

Defoe, who took over from Neal Ardley in March, managed six league games, securing two wins and helping the club to a 10th-placed finish. His departure comes just two weeks before the new season commences.

"Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position," Defoe stated. He expressed pride in the work done and belief that they were "building something special." Defoe's final match was a pre-season friendly loss to Braintree Town.

Defoe, who scored 305 goals in 763 appearances for clubs like Tottenham and Sunderland, previously had interim coaching roles at Rangers and worked in the Spurs academy before pursuing a full-time managerial position.