Woking director of football Jody Brown indicated that growing concerns had surfaced throughout the club before the National League side mutually agreed to end its association with former England striker Jermain Defoe as manager.

The two parties reached an agreement to separate with immediate effect earlier this week, after Defoe, aged 43, had spent just four months in charge and overseen six league games.

His exit came two weeks before Woking's opening fixture of the new season against Sutton United.

"Jermain's feedback was consistently positive, and he often voiced his enthusiasm and excitement for the season both publicly and in private conversations," said Brown.

"I therefore understand the surprise and subsequent speculation around his sudden departure.

"However, in recent weeks feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, pointed to growing concerns."

Brown explained that this led him to request a brief report from Defoe and assistant Paul Bracewell outlining squad depth, recruitment targets and operational challenges, so he could offer the necessary support, yet the report was never received despite repeated requests.

"A meeting was then arranged with the directors, manager, assistant manager and head of operations to review season preparations," he added.

"Neither Jermain nor his assistant attended that meeting or that day's training session.

"Throughout his tenure Jermain never raised any serious concerns directly with me, so I will not speculate on his reasons."

Defoe scored 305 goals in 763 senior appearances for clubs including West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland, while netting 20 times in 57 international matches before retiring in 2022.

He served on an interim coaching staff at Rangers in 2021 and worked in the Spurs academy before leaving in 2024 to pursue a full-time managerial role.

Defoe described his time at Woking as an eye-opening managerial experience that will make him stronger for the next challenge in his career.

Brown accepted responsibility for appointing the likeable Defoe, believing he was the right person to lead the club into an exciting new era.

But he said: "As we have seen many times before, success as a player does not always translate into management and leadership. I sincerely hope to see him succeed in whichever direction he follows."