Jermain Defoe, the former Sunderland and England striker, is considering legal action following his recent departure from National League club Woking less than two weeks before the start of the new season. The 43-year-old's exit came after he described the situation at the club as “impossible to continue.”

The split has escalated into a dispute between Defoe and Woking’s director of football, Jody Brown, who issued a statement defending the club’s decision and its transfer strategy. Brown acknowledged Defoe’s contributions during his four-month tenure but raised concerns about the former forward’s professional conduct in the club’s final days.

According to Brown, Defoe failed to attend a scheduled meeting with the club’s directors, head of operations, and management team intended to discuss squad depth, recruitment targets, and operational issues ahead of the season. Brown said he had requested a report on these topics multiple times but did not receive it. Brown also noted that Defoe and his assistant missed a training session on the same day as the meeting. Brown added that although Defoe had expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, feedback had emerged from various parts of the club about growing concerns in recent weeks. He described the experience as a learning opportunity for both himself and the club, particularly regarding communication with Defoe and his representatives.

Defoe’s representatives strongly disputed Brown’s claims, describing the director’s statement as damaging to the former striker’s reputation and amounting to defamation. They rejected the suggestion that Defoe had made unreasonable demands and said he was seeking immediate legal advice with plans to pursue appropriate action over the remarks.

The timing of Defoe’s departure and the subsequent dispute attracted attention and criticism from the football community and supporters of Woking. Brown responded publicly on social media and through official statements to clarify the club’s position amid speculation about the reasons for Defoe’s sudden exit.

The situation underscores tensions surrounding Woking’s preparations for the upcoming season and highlights difficulties in the relationship between the club’s management and its director of football. Both parties have yet to provide further details as discussions continue behind the scenes.