Andy Whing gives his reaction on leaving Solihull to become the new head coach of league above Barrow, replacing the sacked Stephen Clemence.
The 40 year old expressed excitement about his new role, describing the move as a “fantastic opportunity,” eager to step into management in the English Football League for the first time.
Whing, who was appointed on a two-and-a-half year deal, highlighted the warm welcome he received at Barrow and emphasised his intent to build a connection with the fans, a key aspect he believes in from his experiences at Banbury and Solihull.
His first game in charge will be at home to Grimsby Town this Saturday. Barrow currently sit 17th in League Two with 28 points from 25 games, 8 points above the drop zone, Grimsby are 9th.
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BARROW STATEMENT:
Barrow AFC can confirm that they have parted company with their First Team head coach, Stephen Clemence.
Chairman Paul Hornby said “Stephen came in over the Summer and we had high hopes to build on his considerable coaching ability and reputation. We’ve built a strong squad of players together and enjoyed some memorable early success including our Carabao Cup exploits.
“Stephen has always conducted himself with great dignity and professionalism but unfortunately our recent extended run of poor results has led us to the decision that it was time to make a change.
“We would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and dedication to the club and wish him well for the future.”
The club can also confirm that Assistant Manager Robbie Stockdale will also leave his role, we would also like to thank Robbie for his contribution during his time with us.
Barrow AFC are delighted to welcome Andy Whing to the club as our new Head Coach on a two and a half year deal.
Whing joins The Bluebirds from National League side Solihull Moors for an undisclosed fee, where he’s had an impressive 19-month stint.
Whing will be assisted by fellow former Coventry City defender Craig Pead, who has previously been a part of Whing’s backroom staff at both Solihull and Banbury United.
During his time in the Midlands, Whing guided Moors to the National League play-off final in 2024, where Solihull were inches away from securing EFL football for the first time in their history after they lost on penalties to Bromley.
The 40-year-old also steered his side to the FA Trophy final last season, where again, Moors were inches away from a Wembley win after they lost out on spot kicks to Gateshead.
Before his stint at Solihull, Whing’s first managerial role came at Banbury, where he completely transformed the fortunes of The Puritans, successfully guiding them to the National League North for the first time in their history.
During his time at United, attendances soared at The Spencer Stadium as Whing delivered a midtable finish in The Puritans’ first season in the National League North, while he also took them into the FA Cup First Round in 2021, when they were knocked out by The Bluebirds.
Prior to his stint at Banbury, Whing had a range of coaching experiences at the likes of Oxford, Coventry, Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford before taking on his first top job.
Before his coaching career, Whing enjoyed a playing career that saw him enter the ranks at Coventry City, where he racked up 119 appearances for The Sky Blues.
Following four years at Coventry, Whing headed to the south coast to join Brighton and Hove Albion, where he played 125 matches for The Seagulls.
Moves to Oxford United, Leyton Orient and Chesterfield followed before Whing hung up his playing boots in 2015 due to injury.
Speaking about joining The Bluebirds, our new Head Coach said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me; I’m really, really excited to be here.
“As soon as I heard about the interest, I was really excited about it, and after meeting everyone today and having a real warm welcome, it just feels like I’ve got a bunch of really good people, which is brilliant.”
Whing added: “One of the biggest things for me is trying to get that connection with the fans as it’s a massive, massive part of it. If you look at my Banbury days and at Solihull, and even my playing days, I think I had a massive connection with every club I’ve been at.”
We’d like to thank Solihull for their cooperation throughout this process, and we wish them all the very best for the rest of the season.
SOLIHULL STATEMENT:
Solihull Moors can confirm that Andy Whing leaves the club today to take up an appointment as Head Coach of League 2 Barrow AFC.
The Club is naturally disappointed with Andy’s decision to leave at such a critical point in the season but we understand and respect his decision to pursue this new chapter in his career.
For this reason, we granted Barrow permission to speak to Andy and we would like to thank them for the professional way in which they have conducted the negotiation.
Andy leaves with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone at Solihull Moors and we thank him for his service to the club, especially for the memories of last season.
Craig Pead will also be departing to join Andy’s backroom staff at Barrow.
The Board will now begin the process of appointing the new Head Coach. In the meantime, Richard Stearman, Kevin Poole and Stephen Ward will oversee training and manage upcoming fixtures, pending the new appointment.
As supporters will know, we have been somewhat disappointed with our results and performances this season, especially given the quality of the squad. This unforeseen turn of events now provides the opportunity to appoint a high quality replacement who shares the club’s ambition and community ethos and can get the best out of an undoubtedly talented squad, as we seek to reach the playoffs once again.
We will provide further updates on the new appointment as soon as we are able.
Twitter users reacted as Andy Whing gives his reaction on leaving Solihull to become new Barrow head coach…
@DanDrage: Yes @Whingy2 – absolutely delighted for you! Earned it the hard way, turned Banbury and Solihull around – now you’ll do the same at Barrow. Onwards and upwards.
@mashby30: Absolutely buzzing for you Andy. Congratulations on your deserved appointment, best of luck.
@tomhwilliams23: This feels like a much better stylistic fit for Barrow. Andy Whing is a great gaffer, who has shown he can go into a new environment, and turn it into a winning one. Two Wembley trips in one season last term. His sides are very solid, and are adaptable too
@GinaSoanes1: Well deserved @Whingy2 – wishing you every success with your new club 💛💙
@SpencerReds: All the best @Whingy2 – you’ve deserve the opportunity to manage in the football league. Go smash it, brilliant guy and coach ❤️💛 Barrow fans you have got a good one believe me.
@DavesTweet57: Well done Andy, top man #pusb
@OffTheLineBlog: Delighted for Andy Whing. Gets a shot @ managing in the #EFL after a good few years in non-league. Got #BanburyUnited promoted, and guided #SMFC to two finals @ Wembley in 23-24. Outstanding orator; will galvanise the club again. His #BarrowAFC team will work hard.
@Dannyowen98: Let’s get behind the big beautiful bastard and get heading in the right direction
@StarWarsNerd73: Cracking appointment! Welcome to the club! I can’t wait to see what you can do!
@oreo_phillips: Yes then Gaffa! You’ve got a great manager in Whingy! All the best @Whingy2 ❤️💛
@ed0983873: Good appointment imo definitely shouldnt be dragged into a relegation battle despite poor form leaving them 17th, could even challenge for playoffs still #barrowafc
@alfieeswilson: Shame he couldn’t do it with Solihull Moors, but so pleased for him he’s made it to the EFL #oufc
@SamsBUFC: No one deserves an opportunity in the EFL more than @Whingy2. All the best mate go smash it ❤️💛
@edward_w97: Andy Whing’s ascent into the EFL has felt like something that would be soon incoming. Very close to doing it with Solihull Moors just last term. New part of the country for an adaptable, exciting coach.
Streets won’t forget – managed to get a photo with him after Solihull away as well haha #oufc https://t.co/VOPA4lc1oo pic.twitter.com/SocLkI3Lgl
— Lucas (@oufc_lucas) January 20, 2025
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