Andy Whing hungry for more after Brackley Town finally rediscover winning feeling
Brackley Town are determined to finish the National League season on a high after finally winning their first game under head coach Andy Whing, at the 15th time of asking.
The Saints make the long journey north to face the third-placed Carlisle United this Saturday (12.30pm KO) with renewed confidence and an opportunity to build some momentum ahead of next campaign.
Brackley’s relegation to the National League North - confirmed a fortnight ago - has certainly come as a blow but the board’s faith remains in Whing to turn the tide.
Last weekend’s 2-1 win over Aldershot Town, the perfect send-off for retiring captain Gareth Dean on his final-ever home appearance, was a great start.
“I’m delighted for everybody, first and foremost the supporters. It has been tough lately, so I’m delighted for them,” Whing told @BrackleyTownFC.
“I’m thrilled for Gaz as well, his last home game as a footballer. What an unbelievable servant he’s been to this football club.
“Even the short space of time I’ve been here, I see what he does in the dressing room. The club are very lucky to have him, going on the board as well next season.
“It was right for Gaz to get a standing ovation. I’m delighted we got a win for him and the fans.”
Although Carlisle have only lost nine games all season, Brackley have a good chance of a result as this Saturday’s hosts are likely to rest key players ahead of their play-off matches.
Whing, who only has one weekly training session with his players given the part-time nature of the club, hopes the floodgates can open after the first win.
“The players have worked hard. They’ve not given up and they’ve kept going, so that result at home has been coming,” Whing added.
“It should have come four, five or six weeks ago really with the amount of chances we carved out. But I’m really pleased for everyone that we’ve come out and won a game of football.
“It’s a testament to the lads that they kept going, like they have to. We owed everybody a result.
“The last two or three performances have been really good. For everyone, it’s a little bit of relief and happiness.
“I’m really looking forward to the future, hopefully that’s the first win of many.”