Jermain Defoe hits again over ‘unfaithful’ accusations with authorized motion threatened

Jermain Defoe has parted ways with National League side Woking FC and the former England striker is now set to take legal action against the club over claims alleged to be untrue

Premier League icon Jermain Defoe has hit back at Woking director of football Jody Brown and threatened legal action after leaving as manager. The National League club parted company with the 43-year-old last week, less than a fortnight before the season’s kick-off.

Defoe issued a parting comment that it was ‘impossible to continue’ with the Cards, which has since sparked a response from the Woking hierarchy. Brown came out, defending the club’s decision and transfer strategy in the wake of Defoe’s exit. However, the chief’s statement online has prompted Defoe to explore legal avenues.

Brown accused Defoe of failing to attend a meeting with the directors, operations chief and management team. In response to the statement, Surrey Live reached out to the former striker’s representatives. They said: “The statement issued by Jody Brown is highly detrimental to Jermain’s reputation, and amounts to a serious defamation of character.

“The statement also suggests that Jermain was making unreasonable demands, which is simply untrue. Jermain is therefore taking immediate legal advice and intends to pursue appropriate legal action in relation to the statements made.”

Defoe’s departure on the eve of the new season raised eyebrows and sparked queries within the wider community. It led to criticism aimed at the Woking chief, prompting Brown to mount a defence on social media platform X.

Brown released a statement published on the official Woking website which said: “Jermain’s feedback was always positive, and he regularly expressed his enthusiasm and excitement for the season, both publicly and privately. I can therefore appreciate the surprise and subsequent speculation surrounding his sudden departure.

“However, in recent weeks there had been feedback from across the club, including players, staff and other departments, regarding growing concerns. To better understand the situation, I asked Jermain and Paul for a brief report outlining the squad’s current depth, recruitment targets and any operational challenges, so we could provide the support required and accelerate preparations for the season.

“That report was requested on more than one occasion but was never received. A meeting was subsequently scheduled involving the directors, manager, assistant manager and Head of Operations to review preparations for the season. Neither Jermain nor his assistant attended that meeting or that day’s training session.

“Throughout his tenure, Jermain had never communicated any serious concerns directly to me, so I am not going to speculate on his reasons. Every football club faces challenges. Players want more game time, improved contracts or transfers. The media team might want better equipment, the medical department more interns, the strength and conditioning staff larger gym space. and the car park attendants may want more coffee.

“But people do not just fail to turn up. The experience has highlighted lessons for both myself and the club, particularly around communication with Jermain and his representatives throughout the four months and six matches he was with us. Throughout that period, the club’s objective remained the same: to support the players and staff and give the project every opportunity to succeed.”

Woking kicked off their league campaign at home against Sutton United on 8 August. Craig Ross and Jake Hyde have been tasked with overseeing the Cards on a temporary basis.

Their hunt for a third manager in half a year is now underway after Defoe took over from Neal Ardley in March following a run of six losses in nine National League games.

Ross and Hyde were appointed on an interim basis four months ago when Ardley’s reign ended on the back of a 1-0 loss to Marine in the FA Trophy quarter-final.