New Puritans boss Whing 'knows what it takes to win'

Andy Whing will be in charge at The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium next season after being appointed as Banbury United's new manager

Banbury followed through with their hope of making a swift appointment following the departure of Mike Ford as Whing was in place less than a week after the deadline for applications had passed.

This will be Whing’s first managerial role after a successful playing career, which saw him make 346 Football League appearances for the likes of Coventry City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chesterfield, Leyton Orient and Oxford United where he won the Supporters’ Player of the Season award in 2012 and was a popular figure with fans until retirement in 2015.

He has coached at Oxford, Kidderminster Harriers and most recently at Hereford and he holds the UEFA A badge.

Whing will be joined by former Oxford team-mate James Constable who joins Banbury in a player/assistant-manager role.

Puritans chairman Lines said: “We were flattered by the number of applications we received and also the high level of proven quality managers amongst them.

“It was a difficult process drawing up a short list then finally making the big decision.

“Andy is a young hungry manager with drive and enthusiasm who wants to make a success of football management.

“We hope his time with us proves successful and will help him achieve that.

“Although this is his first manager’s job, for the past four to five years he has coached at Oxford United, Kidderminster Harriers and had a short spell at Hereford working under Russell Slade. He has very good contacts in the game.

“We also took into consideration that he was playing League football until fairly recently so he is abreast with the modern game and working with today’s young footballers.

“He was a leader on the pitch and knows what it takes to win football matches.”

Following his appointment, Whing said: “I am very grateful for this opportunity to become manager of Banbury United and I thank the chairman and board of directors for having faith in me.

“I can’t wait to get started in developing a football club that the community and fans can become even more proud of."