Woking has placed Craig Ross and Jake Hyde in interim charge of the first team once again after Jermain Defoe’s exit. The National League club and the former England international Defoe “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect” on Thursday, just two weeks before the start of the new season.

Player/goalkeeping coach Ross and fellow coach Hyde, who retired as a player at the end of last season, will lead first-team operations until Woking’s opening league match against Sutton United on 8 August.

The duo had previously taken interim charge in March following the sacking of Neal Ardley and guided Woking to four victories, with their only loss occurring away at the eventual champions, York City.

Director of football Jody Brown stated on the club website: “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.”