Woking turn to Ross and Hyde as Defoe departs ahead of new season

Craig Ross and Jake Hyde have been installed as interim managers of Woking after the club and former England striker Jermain Defoe mutually agreed to part ways. The National League side confirmed the change on Thursday, just two weeks before the start of the new campaign, and the duo will lead the team into its opening league fixture.

Defoe, a former England international, "mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect" on Thursday, ending his brief tenure at the club. The decision came ahead of the season’s kickoff, leaving Woking to reorganise its coaching structure.

Player‑coach Ross, who also serves as goalkeeping coach, and fellow coach Hyde, who retired as a player at the end of last season, will oversee first‑team operations. Their first test will be the home match against Sutton United on 8 August, the club’s opening league game.

The pair first assumed interim charge in March after the sacking of Neal Ardley. During that spell they guided Woking to four victories, demonstrating an ability to stabilise the squad during a period of transition.

Their only defeat in the March stint came away at York City, who later secured the championship. The result highlighted the competitive challenges the club faces in the National League.

Director of football Jody Brown praised the duo on the club website, stating: "Craig and Jake have been an important part of this football club for a long time. They'll do everything to ensure the group gets to where it needs to be for the start of the season, providing the leadership and continuity we need."

The accompanying photograph is credited to Getty Images]. The image captures Ross and Hyde together, underscoring their joint leadership role at Woking.