The former Sunderland striker has left his role as manager of National League club Woking.

Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has described his short reign in charge of National League club Woking as ‘an eye-opening managerial experience’.

The former England international was the surprise choice to replace Neal Ardley as Cards boss in March as he embarked on his managerial career in the top tier of non-league football - but he made a positive impact by losing just one of his six games in charge as his new side ended the season in tenth position. That run included an impressive 3-0 win at in-form Gateshead in the final away game of the campaign - and Defoe was set to return to the International Stadium in the final week of the upcoming season to face a Heed side led by another former Sunderland star, Lee Cattermole.

Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has left his first managerial role after just 116 days. Cr: Getty Images. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has left his first managerial role after just 116 days. Cr: Getty Images. | Getty Images

However, Defoe has now confirmed he has ‘mutually agreed’ to part company with Woking and revealed ‘circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for him to continue’ in his role as manager during the new season.

In a social media post released on Thursday night, the former Black Cats star said: "Following recent discussions, I can confirm that I have mutually agreed to leave my position as manager of Woking FC. Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position. I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special.

"I would like to thank Todd Johnson for giving me the opportunity to manage the club. I am incredibly grateful to the supporters and, most importantly, the players, who I am genuinely gutted for. The group is a fantastic one, and I wish the squad every success for the season ahead. I'm really disappointed the journey has ended so soon, but I leave with great pride in what Paul Bracewell, Karl Halabi and I were building at the club. My time at Woking FC has been an eye-opening managerial experience and one that will undoubtedly make me stronger for the next challenge in my career."

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