Andy Whing makes a statement via the LMA after branding his sacking by second division club Barrow as “very harsh” on social media.
On December 10, Barrow made the decision to part ways with Andy Whing after 11 months at the helm, having taken five wins from 19 in the 2025/26 season. A 3-0 home defeat to Tranmere was the final straw.
Last Saturday’s game against Gillingham saw Barrow draw 2-2 away at Gillingham, leaving Barrow in 18th place with 21 points from 20 games played, 4 above the drop zone and 11 from the play-offs.
Chief executive Paul Hornby said the “quality and investment” in the squad had not been reflected in recent games. However, Whing took to Twitter on Wednesday evening and has since made his account private.
He wrote: “There will be an explanation soon but I just want to say it is absolutely heartbreaking, especially when I tell my boys.
“We as a family were fully invested and I think it’s very tough but we’re going again.
“The messages have been so supportive and I can’t wait to prove people wrong again.”
He then said of the LMA on Wednesday: “I would like to thank the owners of Barrow AFC and Lain Wood for giving me the opportunity to become head coach of the club.
“Although I, along with my assistant Craig Pead, are disappointed to be leaving the club, I am proud to have represented the club in 2025.
“I would like to thank the players and staff for their dedication and commitment. They are a good group of people who work tirelessly and I wish them all every success for the future.”
“I would like to say a few words to the fans. From day one we were welcomed into the club with open arms and I felt like both Craig and I became members of the Barrow family. That support meant a lot to us. 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 everything we could to try and get the club up the league.
“I will look back fondly on turning the club’s form around last season, guiding them to safety with wins over Grimsby, Gillingham, the double over MK Dons, Port Vale, Notts County, Accrington Stanley and Walsall – finishing the season with just one defeat in 13 games and then enjoying wins over Notts County, Colchester, Crewe, Crawley and Walsall this season.”
“All three of my previous leadership roles have presented different challenges and learning opportunities. With over 250 games in the dugout and a win rate of 47%, I want to build on my experiences. Now I will 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
FAVORITES TO BECOME A NEW BARROW MANAGER:
BetVictor – Dec 18
Darren Ferguson – 7/4
Neil McDonald – November 4th
Noel Hunt – 4.11
Leighton Baines – 10/3
Garry Monk – 4/1
John Brady – 10/1
Mike Williamson – 12/1
Twitter users expressed their reaction while Andy Whing released a statement after branding his sacking by Barrow as “very harsh”…
@Dannyowen98: All the best @Whingy2. You stood up to us when we probably didn’t deserve it after Carlisle. You understood what it meant, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. I wish you only the best for the future
@StuartAkister: Classy stuff; It’s such a shame it didn’t work out, he seems like a great guy and seemed like a great fit when he was appointed
@GrahamPark15: Sad to see Andy go. Unfortunately, football can be cruel at times. Being a really nice guy isn’t always enough, and a nice guy with TBF, a not-too-bad record, gave us a big breakthrough in the backend of last season. This season we were a bit depleted due to injuries. Good luck, gaffer
@imstephenmurray: Very dignified, I’m sorry for the result
@BAFCSAMUEL234: Top guy who really wants to see that he’s doing well. Cheer up, Andy did well, mate. It’s not easy being a manager, especially at your first EFL club. A very tough decision actually won’t keep you unemployed for long. I wish you and the family all the best, mate, welcome back to Holker Street anytime
@GeorgeHogg93: Banbury Utd to Solihull to Barrow… It will be interesting to see where Whingy ends up next
@bcfcburke: Cheer up, buddy. You have achieved so much with so little. We’re all behind you, buddy. Harsh doesn’t even come close. See you soon for a beer
@DamianReynold16: All I wish for you is happiness Andy, we all know your heart was in it. Buy it, it may not always work. I know you’ll smash it somewhere else. Good luck
@DerekAdamson: I’m very sorry to read this. Extremely hard, but I’m sure you’ll recover quickly. All the best.
@h2_r0r: All the best, Whig. All fans can see that you and most of the players did their best. The fans also know that the problems lie elsewhere and not really with the coaches They will have no difficulty finding another opportunity
@H4rryh4rris: Shocked at this! Was made massively hard. A top management team, both of you and I’m sure you’ll be back in the dugout soon
@Barrowfan92: Andy, I’m still shocked by the news, your passion for this game is fantastic. I will always remember your first game at Holker Street against Grimsby, how the stadium lit up when Robbie Gotts scored the goal, you did that!! Take care, all the best
@BaileyJHP46: Thanks, Gaffer, for bringing some heart back to Holker Street! I’m honestly devastated. As fans we just want our managers to be successful. Good luck with your next endeavor, whatever that may be.
@Keithharris76: Cheer up, buddy. A harsh first taste of the crazy world it’s been reduced to, but I’ll bet anyone that in five years you’ll be in the dugout at a higher level. Enjoy Christmas with the family and come back
@LRPhotography_: Personally, I’m devastated, especially after seeing it this afternoon. We had a fantastic time last season. Unfortunately I didn’t work for Barrow AFC this season but I did keep an eye on the results, they were so professional, sincere and all around great , as I tell myself, prove them wrong and you will do it
