Woking’s director of football, Jody Brown, said concerns had grown across the club before manager Jermain Defoe left by mutual agreement after only four months. The departure, shortly before the National League season begins, raises questions over the club’s preparation and marks a difficult start to Defoe’s first full-time managerial role.

Brown said he had sought a report from Defoe and assistant Paul Bracewell on squad depth, recruitment and operational issues, but did not receive it despite repeated requests. He added that neither attended a subsequent planning meeting or that day’s training; Defoe had managed six league matches and said the experience would strengthen him for a future challenge.