Andy Whing releases statement after branding his sacking by Barrow as ‘very harsh’

Andy Whing releases a statement through the LMA after branding his sacking by League Two side Barrow as ‘very harsh’ on social media.

On the 10th of December, Barrow made the decision on to part with Andy Whing after 11 months in charge, leaving having won 5 wins in 19 for the 2025/26 season, with a 3-0 home defeat to Tranmere proving to be the final straw.

Last Saturday’s game against Gillingham saw Barrow pick up a 2-2 away at Gillingham, leaving Barrow sitting 18th with 21 points from 20 games played, 4 above the drop zone, and 11 from the playoffs.

Chairman Paul Hornby stated that the ‘quality and the investment’ in the squad wasn’t being reflected in recent games, however, Whing went onto his Twitter on Wednesday night and since made his account private.

He wrote: “There will be a statement soon but I just want to say it’s absolutely heart-breaking, especially telling my boys.

“We as a family were fully invested and I think it’s very harsh but we go again.

“The messages have been so supportive and I can’t wait to prove people wrong again.”

He then said via the LMA on Wednesday: “I would like to thank the owners of Barrow AFC and lain Wood for giving me the opportunity to be the club’s head coach.

“Whilst I am disappointed to leave, along with my assistant Craig Pead, I am proud to have represented the club in 2025.

“I would like to thank the players and staff for their efforts and commitment. They are a good group of people who work tirelessly, and I wish them all success in the future.

“I’d like to reserve some words for the supporters. From day one, we were welcomed into the club with open arms, and I felt that both Craig and I became members of the Barrow family. That support meant a great deal. Barrow is a special club at the heart of its community, and I know how important it is to the people of the area. We carried that with us every day and gave our all to try and lift the club up the league table.

“I will look back fondly on turning the club’s form around last season and keeping them safe with wins over Grimsby, Gillingham, the double over MK Dons, Port Vale, Notts County, Accrington Stanley, and Walsall – finishing the campaign with only one defeat in 13 games and then this season enjoying wins over Notts County, Colchester, Crewe, Crawley, and Walsall.

“All three of my managerial roles to date have brought different challenges and learning opportunities. With over 250 games in the dugout and a win rate of 47%, I am keen to build upon my experiences. I will now reflect on the past year, enjoy time with my family, and look forward to continuing my coaching journey when the right project comes along.”

Andy

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW BARROW MANAGER:

BetVictor – 18 Dec
Darren Ferguson – 7/4
Neil McDonald – 11/4
Noel Hunt – 11/4
Leighton Baines – 10/3
Garry Monk – 4/1
John Brady – 10/1
Mike Williamson – 12/1

Twitter users gave their reaction while Andy Whing releases statement after branding his sacking by Barrow as ‘very harsh’…

@Dannyowen98: All the best @Whingy2. You fronted up to us when we probably didn’t deserve it after Carlisle. You got what it meant but sadly it didn’t work out. I wish you nothing but the best for the future

@StuartAkister: Classy stuff; it’s such a shame it didn’t work out, seems a great guy and seemed a great fit when he was initially appointed

@GrahamPark15: Sad to see Andy go. Unfortunately football can be cruel at times. Being a really nice bloke does not always cut it, and a nice bloke with TBF a not to bad a record, turned us round backend of last season big time. This season with injuries we went a bit flat. Best of luck gaffer

@imstephenmurray: Very dignified, I am sorry about the outcome

@BAFCSAMUEL234: Top guy desperate to see him do well. Head up Andy done well mate not easy being a manager especially first EFL club very harsh decision indeed won’t see you being out of work for long wish you and the family all the best mate welcome back down to Holker Street any time 🐦

@GeorgeHogg93: Banbury Utd to Solihull to Barrow… It’ll be interesting to see where Whingy ends up next

@bcfcburke: Head up mate. You done so much with so little. We are all behind you pal. Harsh doesn’t even come close. See you soon for a beer 🍺

@DamianReynold16: All i wish you is luck Andy we all know your heart was in it buy it cant always work out, I know youll smash it elswhere good luck 💙🤍

@DerekAdamson: Very sorry to read this. Extremely harsh but I am sure you will bounce back quickly. All the very best.

@h2_r0r: All the best whingy. All the fans can tell that you and most the players were trying your hardest. The fans also know the problems lies elsewhere and not really with the coaches 🤔🔵⚪️ you’ll have no struggles finding another opportunity

@H4rryh4rris: Shocked at this! Been hard done by massively. A top management team the pair of you and I’m sure you’ll be back in the dugout soon 👏🏽⚽️

@Barrowfan92: Andy I’m still shocked at the news of this your passion for this game is fantastic i will always remember your first game at Holker street against Grimsby the way the stadium lit up when Robbie Gotts scored that goal you created that!! Take care all the best

@BaileyJHP46: Thank you Gaffer for bringing a bit of heart back to holker street! I am devastated to be honest. As fans all we want is for our managers to succeed. Good luck in your next venture whatever that might be.

@Keithharris76: Chin up mate. A harsh first taste of the mad world it’s been reduced to but I’ll have a bet with anyone that five years from now you’ll be in the dugout out a higher level. Enjoy Christmas with the family and go again

@LRPhotography_: I am personally devastated especially when saw it this afternoon we had a fantastic time last season sadly I haven’t worked for Barrow AFC this season 📸 but did keep a eye on results you have been so professional, genuine and all round great 💙 like I tell myself prove them wrong and you will 👏