Andy Whing gives his reaction on leaving Solihull to become the new head coach of league above Barrow, replacing the sacked Stephen Clemence.
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:
