'Daunting': passionate Brackley Town boss Andy Whing opens up on ‘toughest’ spell of his career
Andy Whing has admitted Brackley Town’s Easter Monday fixture was “daunting” after some hostile atmospheres in recent weeks, however the head coach was thrilled with the reception he and his players went on to receive.
Whing, still yet to register a win as Saints boss, had penned an emotional open letter to supporters before the 1-1 draw with Boston United.
The former Solihull Moors manager held his hands up, apologising for the recent results and assuring he was doing everything possible to turn things around. Whing added that “talk is cheap” and that “now is the time for action”.
Although Brackley drew with Boston, extending their winless run to 13 National League matches, the performance was much improved and there was a renewed sense of togetherness.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the St James faithful at the full-time whistle, it appeared both the open letter and the team’s display were well received.
Asked what he made of the reception from the Brackley fans at the end, Whing told this newspaper: “It was excellent. I thought they were magnificent.”
The head coach then went on to open up on the difficult times he has been through recently, adding: “I’m an emotional guy. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I remember everything, I’m an over-thinker.
“I remember when I fell over at school and I remember the people laughing at me… that’s my mentality, I remember horrible moments for some reason.
“I overthink and don’t sleep. So, this last week’s been probably the toughest of my career. I wear it and take it home.
“It affects my family life because I’m overthinking about this. I think that’s why I really wanted to get something out (the open letter).
“It’s because I want to make sure that people know. I haven’t had a chance to meet people or get it over to them.
“It’s been pretty brutal and ruthless and games come thick and fast. But I’m trying to do everything I can; I’ve worked my absolute socks off.
“Obviously, I could have done things better, it is what it is. I’ve spent two years in this league, I’ve been to Wembley twice and not come out the play-offs once…
“I’ve come here and I’m not very good. So there has to be a kind of balance. That’s what I’ve wanted to get across.”
Whing may have been disappointed with Monday’s draw, especially after his side were denied a last-gasp winner for a foul on the Boston goalkeeper, but the claps from those behind the goal in the Francis Oliver Stand put a smile back on the manager’s face.
“I’m really thankful for the response and the reception from the supporters today,” Whing said.
“It was daunting just driving in. I didn’t really want to, if you know what I mean, because of the reaction I’ve got the last couple of weeks.
“But it was the total opposite of that. They’re absolutely fantastic and I thank them massively.
“It always just makes me work even harder. I don’t think I can, but it makes me want to do even more for this football club.”
Following the draw with Boston, as well as 20th-placed Eastleigh’s 2-1 win against Yeovil Town, Brackley’s chances of staying in the National League are incredibly slim.
The margin is now seven points with three games to go, and there’s quite the gap in goal difference.
To make matters worse, two of the three are against teams currently in the play-off positions: Scunthorpe and Carlisle. The other is against fellow strugglers Aldershot Town.
Whing doesn’t want to accept relegation until it’s sealed, but he seems committed to the cause regardless of the division the Saints find themselves in.
By his own admission, Brackley can improve in lots of areas both on and off the field. As a part-time club, the Saints have very little contact time with the players between matches, so Whing wants to plug gaps to help turn the tide.
“If you have to take a step backwards, there’s no reason why we can’t take two or three steps forward in the future and go again,” Whing added.
“Because people want that at this football club. I think we’ve got to go a different way about it, the structure and stuff.
“And that’s what we’ll have to sort out in the summer. A different sort of player profile, a different way we go about things.
“But that’s exciting for me, I’m looking forward to that stage of it.”