Woking director of football Jody Brown claims Jermain Defoe failed to attend a scheduled meeting and training session before his shock departure as head coach after just 116 days in charge. The former Tottenham and England striker had his contract mutually terminated on Thursday, having won two and lost one of his six matches.

In an extraordinary statement, Brown said "success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership," revealing growing concerns during pre-season. He stated Defoe and assistant Paul Bracewell did not attend a directors' meeting or training, and requested reports on squad depth were never received.

Defoe earlier announced his exit on Instagram, saying circumstances made it "impossible for me to continue" and called the role an "eye-opening" experience. The 43-year-old had expressed ambitions of achieving promotion to the EFL, but his managerial debut ended abruptly amid allegations of poor communication and absence.