Woking are on the search for their third permanent manager of 2026, following the shock departure of former England international Jermain Defoe earlier this week.
The Cardinals slipped to defeat against League One side Reading last weekend and have undergone a somewhat busy transfer window, though they’ve signed eight players and lost 12- suggesting there’s still work to be done.
Therefore, there was a lot of raised eyebrows across the footballing world when Defoe’s exit was confirmed less than two weeks before the season kicks off and after he’d already brought in several signings to help suit his style of play.
With Defoe’s exit sealed, Woking are back on the hunt for their next permanent manager with Craig Ross currently in interim charge, and here are four names they could consider.
What do Woking need from their next manager?
Before we take a look at some potential candidates for their next role, it is important to try and understand what Woking’s board may be looking for next.
The Cardinals are one of the longest serving clubs in the National League, proving to be a good example of stability within the division and a shining example to most newly promoted sides.
However, Woking had already signed seven new players under Jermain Defoe’s watch, as all as sealing the permanent return of loanee Josh Kelly from AFC Wimbledon.
Financially speaking, the Cardinals aren’t one of the richest clubs in the division – meaning that stabilising themselves and trying to find gems to buy, sell and reinvest is a big factor behind their growth as a club.
Therefore, with their next manager it’s fair to suggest that they need someone with either experience of the National League, or someone who is familiar with inheriting projects with smaller budgets.
Suggestion One: Kevin Maher
One month on from his contract expiring at Southend United, Kevin Maher remains without a job going into next season and the Cardinals could be an ideal next destination for him.
Maher has successfully guided Southend to back-to-back play-off campaigns in the National League, whilst also securing the FA Trophy triumph at Wembley Stadium back in May.
Whilst the Shrimpers are a significantly more established club at a higher level than Woking are, Maher inherited a similar level of squad when he came to Southend as a manager, suggesting a familiarity with him and the role in question.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has already reported that League Two side Newport County were interested in Maher – but the sudden exit of Defoe could force Woking into action.
Suggestion Two: George Elokobi
Potentially a different type of suggestion, but George Elokobi remains without a club, following the conclusion of his contract with National League South side Maidstone United.
The 40-year-old spent just over three years with the club, guiding them to play-off campaigns as well, as reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup back in 2023/24, beating Ipswich Town 2-1 to be the first club outside of the top five tiers to reach that stage since 1978.
His passion and desire to succeed as a manager, could be a huge boost to his chances of landing the role (if he wanted it), as well as driving up the hunger in a Woking side that are likely in need of it as a result of the shock departure of Jermain Defoe.
In terms of his output as a manager, Elokobi averaged a winning percentage of 42% across his 38 months in charge and was also named Manager of the Month as well as guiding the club to two local cup triumphs.
Suggestion Three: Stuart Maynard
Admittedly, this may be seen as an ambitious move, but Stuart Maynard is now without a club after being let go by York City – despite guiding them to the National League title, achieving 108 points and scoring 114 goals across their 46 matches.
The 45-year-old is non-League through and through, having spent his entire playing career there as well as having two of his three managerial roles outside of the EFL.
Maynard burst onto the managerial scene with Wealdstone, working with a small budget in a project-type environment – sound familiar Woking fans?
Though Maynard’s managerial stock is currently the highest it’s ever been – a move to Woking would allow him to return closer to home, inherit a squad that he can put his own stamp on and go back to a division that he’s just conquered.
Suggestion Four: Craig Ross
If in doubt, stick to who you know. Ross is now entering his latest interim stint as manager, suggesting he’s a trustworthy coach in the eyes of the football club.
The 36-year-old spent a year as a youth with the club, as well as having a further five-year stint between 2018 and 2023 – making almost 200 appearances, before returning to the club for a third stint last summer.
After Neal Ardley’s exit, Ross formed part of an interim managerial trio and successfully guided the club to four wins from their eight matches, before Defoe’s arrival was announced.
The fact they’ve called on him for a second time suggests he has a lot of praise and respect throughout the club, hinting that the players all stand by him. When the time comes to appoint someone proper, Ross could find himself in a strong position.
Woking fans, what do you make of these four names? Let us know on Twitter @NLLowdown.
