Woking have said Jermain Defoe’s abrupt departure as manager followed mounting concerns raised by players, staff and other parts of the club. The dispute matters because Defoe, in his first managerial role, said continuing had become impossible, while the club has publicly challenged the circumstances surrounding his exit.

Defoe’s contract was ended by mutual agreement on Thursday after only four months and six matches, in which Woking won two and lost one. Director of football Jody Brown said Defoe and assistant Paul Bracewell did not provide requested planning reports and then missed a scheduled meeting and training session; Defoe has not publicly responded to those claims.