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Woking FC and Jermain Defoe Part Ways After Four Months

7/26/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Woking FC and former England striker Jermain Defoe terminated his manager contract on Thursday after four months.
Defoe’s six matches produced two wins, one defeat and three draws, leaving the club in 10th place.
Director of football Jody Brown said Defoe missed training, skipped a scheduled meeting and did not submit the requested squad report.
Jake Hyde and Craig Ross took interim charge of the team after Defoe’s departure.

History

Historical Context

Wayne Rooney was appointed D.C. United head coach on 12 July 2022, succeeding Hernán Losada. After a poor record that left the team bottom of the Eastern Conference, he and the club mutually terminated the deal on 8 October 2023. The brief MLS tenure follows similarly short spells at Derby County (2020-21) and Plymouth Argyle (2024), showing clubs now expect instant results from former stars.

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Story summary

Woking FC and former England striker Jermain Defoe terminated his manager contract on Thursday after four months.
Defoe’s six matches produced two wins, one defeat and three draws, leaving the club in 10th place.
Director of football Jody Brown said Defoe missed training, skipped a scheduled meeting and did not submit the requested squad report.
Jake Hyde and Craig Ross took interim charge of the team after Defoe’s departure.

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