Following Andy Whing’s resignation on 22nd May 2023, the Club parts with the most successful manager its history. Andy underpinned the Club’s first ever league title at Step 3, as well as guiding it to its highest ever league finish in the football pyramid. Not only did Andy bring league success, he achieved two FA Cup first round proper appearances and with it, BBC and ITV broadcast exposure.

On May 12th 2020, amidst the pandemic, spirits were raised in North Oxfordshire as The Puritans were elated to hear the announcement of the appointment of Andy Whing as the Club’s first team manager. Upon his arrival, Andy established ambition for both on and off-field successes.

At start of his reign, Andy said, "I am looking forward to developing a club that the community and fans can be proud of.” Since then, the local community has been brought even closer together and fan participation has notably increased, with a 215.3% rise in attendance figures from 2015-16 to present. This serves as a testament to Andy Whing’s efforts in creating a young, energetic, and football-driven side. Additionally, memberships have more than tripled since Andy Whing came on board, another indication of his impact.

Embracing an ambitious and growth-oriented mindset positively influenced the terraces as well as success on the pitch, from the southern league to National League regional divisions.

Banbury United have proudly experienced a period of record-breaking success on the pitch under the leadership of Andy Whing, the Club reaching its highest-ever spot in the football pyramid, securing a centurion league title win, and making two FA Cup first round proper appearances.

Alongside the glory, fans have also been rewarded by watching an attractive, attacking brand of football promoted by Whing and his coaching staff. It’s been a contributing factor to attracting interest from young players, eager to use Banbury as a platform to showcase their talent. An example is Cody Johnson, courtesy of Stockport County, which had identified the quality of development that Banbury can provide to its young players.

Ultimately, Whing and his team instilled a culture of ambition and opportunity throughout the football Club, providing an effective pathway for success. This pathway led to the Club receiving two successful approaches, and associated transfer fees, for Morgan Roberts and Jack Stevens, to Swindon Town and Solihull Moors respectively. Two other centurions, Chris Wreh and James Golding, have gone on to full time football.

Overall, the culture and style Whingy shaped on the pitch helped fans be proud to watch their local beloved side. Being a Banbury United supporter meant you got to watch top talent as the team put on a show everywhere they went.

After 47 years of not managing to reach the FA Cup first round proper, Andy Whing achieved this feat in only seven months when Banbury United made an appearance against Canvey Island at home in November 2020. Despite the defeat and the season being cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Club was eager to go again. And it did!

The following season the club achieved its first consecutive FA Cup first round proper appearance since the 72-73 and 73-74 seasons, resulting in the community coming out in strong numbers to watch and televised support from ITV. Banbury United was put on the map as host to League Two opposition, Barrow Football Club. Despite the defeat, it showed the Club's massive potential in terms of both its brand of football and in capturing the hearts of our town.

Whing’s first season in charge came to a halt due to Coronavirus measures. With the non-league scene inactive for ten months, this meant that in just over a year, Andy only had seven league games under his belt. Yet this extended break arguably granted Andy the opportunity to build the ideal team ready to go in the Southern League Central Division Championship 2021/22 season.

Banbury got off to a strong start, going on an impressive 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions that was only halted by football league opposition in the FA Cup. Our first league defeat came in December, but the momentum we had gained from then on saw United reach the top of the table, leading to an impressive 23-point gap with five games to spare. The championship was won.

The string of successes captured the attention of local fans, leading to crowds that swelled past the 1,000 mark. On April 2nd, Banbury were crowned champions of the Southern League Central, delivering the unthinkable and creating scenes of joy at the Spencer Stadium for the Tramway Army with many hailing the occasion as the “greatest day of their lives”.

This incredible feat solidified the mantra of "We Are United" between the town and the Club. There were amazing scenes on the pitch at the end of the game with thanks to one man: Andy Whing.

Winning the Southern League Central Division Championship led Banbury and Andy Whing being promoted to the Vanarama National League North for the first time in its 92-year history. Banbury completed the 22/23 season in 17th place in the National League North, a seven place improvement on their placement in the footballing pyramid from the previous season.

Andy Whing led Banbury to compete and stay up among professional and hybrid teams, a feat which should be commended. Banbury had an impressive start to the season, sitting top of the table at the end of August. However, a run of injuries and suspensions hindered the maintaining of the early season form. Despite the adversity, Banbury maintained their playing style, gaining much approval from opposing teams and fans who frequently hailed them the best team they faced all season.

We should not forget some of the great successes of this season though. Such as defeating future champions AFC Fylde on home soil, coming from behind to win away from home against former football league clubs, Darlington and Hereford, and beating Kidderminster 2-0 where Andy Whing showed tremendous passion in front of the fans. These moments will remain key memories of our first season at Step 2.

The aim for the Club now, despite Andy's absence, is to ensure it builds on Andy’s successful foundations and cements Banbury United’s status at Step 2.

Andy can leave with the confidence that he achieved the mission he set out in 2020, to grow the club in the community and make the fans even more proud of the Club they support. Supporters have indeed enjoyed three of the best years of being a Puritan. Andy’s influence and the memories he made with us will be fondly shared between today’s and future generations. He has truly made a long-lasting mark on the Club's fanbase.

We wish Andy and his team all the best in their careers. He is forever a club legend and we thank Andy for his hard work, dedication and loyalty shown over the past three seasons.

Andy Whing – Two FA Cup first round appearances, one Centurion league title, highest ever league finish, club record unbeaten streak and a fanbase which adores you.

Once a Puritan, Always a Puritan.