Andy Whing resigns as Brackley Town manager after difficult National League North return

Andy Whing has resigned as Brackley Town manager with the Saints struggling on their return to Step 2 and sitting in the National League North relegation places.

The 41-year-old leaves after seven months in charge, having taken over midway through last season following Gavin Cowan’s departure for League Two side Shrewsbury Town.

Whing managed just one win from his 16 National League matches as Brackley suffered an immediate return to the division they had finally conquered under Cowan in 2025.

A major overhaul followed over the summer, with only a handful of last season’s squad remaining as the former Coventry City, Brighton and Oxford United defender set about rebuilding the Saints for another promotion push.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE LATEST NON-LEAGUE GOALMOUTH HERE

You can now listen to the Non-League Goalmouth on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Difficult start

But Brackley have made a difficult start to life back in National League North.

They have won just two of their first eight league games, drawing two and losing four, leaving them 21st on eight points following their 3-0 defeat to Morecambe last weekend.

Whing has now decided to step down, with the club confirming his resignation on Thursday evening.

A statement from Brackley read: “The board has today accepted the resignation of Andy Whing as first team manager.

“Andy was appointed in February 2026 and oversaw the second half of the 2025/26 National League season, a campaign which ultimately ended in relegation to National League North.

“This season Andy has brought together a young squad with a lot of potential.”

Grateful

“Throughout his tenure, Andy has represented Brackley Town Football Club with professionalism and integrity.

“The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Andy for his efforts during his time at the club and we are genuinely grateful for the work he has put in with the players and staff.

“The board fully respects Andy’s decision and we wish him the very best for the future.

“A unity and a togetherness have always been strengths at our club.

“We urge all supporters to come together and to get behind the team on Saturday and in these coming weeks.”

Brackley have a respite from league action this Saturday when they host AFC Portchester in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Dean returns

The Saints confirmed on Friday that legendary captain Gareth Dean will take charge until the end of the season, with Ali Worby and returning club favourite James Armson joining him in the new management team.

Dean hung up his boots at the end of last season but has remained heavily involved behind the scenes, helping with recruitment and working on plans for the club’s future.

Armson, meanwhile, has headed back to St James Park following a stint at Nuneaton Town.

The 36-year-old left two years ago for AFC Telford United after an eight-year stint at Brackley and had only rejoined the Boro, the club where he began his career, over the summer.

Armson admitted he was “gutted” to see his time there cut short but expressed his excitement for what comes next.

Now, he will join Dean and Worby in the dugout as Brackley begin a new chapter.

READ MORE: Which non-league clubs will take part in the FA Vase first round proper?