EFL club sack manager after 11 months in charge with club in danger of relegation

Barrow have announced the sacking of boss Andy Whing to bring an end to his 11 months in the dugout.

The 41-year-old only made the move to Holker Street in January having impressed at Solihull Moors.

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But he has failed to last until the end of the year having been axed following a horror run of form.

With just five wins and nine losses from 19 League Two matches this term, Barrow sit in 18th spot – just four points above the relegation zone.

A 3-0 home defeat to Tranmere proved to be the final straw, with both Whing and his assistant manager Craig Pead shown the door by the Bluebirds.

Not enough Whings

Barrow are now on the lookout for a new manager ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Gillingham.

The club have announced that Neil McDonald will take charge of the team on an interim basis.

McDonald only returned back to Barrow in November as a joint assistant to Paed – just as he had been to Rob Kelly and Phil Brown in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Addressing a statement on Whing’s sacking, club chairman Paul Hornby said: “We have taken the decision to part company with Andy Whing and Craig Pead with immediate effect.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly.

“After careful consideration, we feel that our current league position does not reflect the quality and the investment that has been put into the squad that we have assembled.

“We believe that making a change at this stage of the season gives us the best possible chance to begin climbing the league table.

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“Andy and Craig joined us almost a year ago, and throughout their time here they have conducted themselves with professionalism, dedication, and integrity.

“They have been a credit to themselves from the moment they walked through the door.

“Unfortunately, football can demand difficult choices, and this is one of them.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Andy and Craig for their hard work and commitment, and we wish them nothing but success in their future endeavours.”

Barrow are searching their first League Two victory since their 2-1 win away at Walsall on October 18.

They have also been knocked out of the FA Cup – losing against Wigan on penalties in their second round clash last weekend.