ANDY Whing says everything about the Banbury United job felt right.

And with his first decision appointing former teammate James Constable as assistant manager, the new Puritans boss is hoping to add a few Oxford United fans on the gate.

Banbury moved quickly after Mike Ford’s five-year tenure ended last month.

While it is Whing’s first role as a boss, he has been learning the ropes since 2015 in various coaching roles, starting out in the U’s youth set-up.

“Since then I’ve had spells with Kidderminster and Hereford as a first team coach and assistant manager,” he said.

“I’ve worked under really good managers in John Eustace and Russell Slade.

“Especially at Hereford, although I wasn’t there long, I learned so much.

“I just feel it’s the right time to step into management and it’s a fantastic club to do that with.”

Although the coronavirus lockdown restrictions mean he will only be able to communicate with players over the phone at first, Whing’s first signing should go down well.

In addition to the No 2 role, Constable will continue to play.

“It’s a great coup for me and the club,” Whing, 35, said.

“Who doesn’t want a goalscorer?”

Constable told the Oxford Mail last week about his desire to go into a coaching career as he began studying for the UEFA B Licence.

But at that point he had no idea a job offer would arrive within a few days.

And the fact he knew Whing meant it was a chance he could not pass up.

Constable said: “That was a big factor – if it was someone else it would be more of a consideration.

“We got on well as teammates and I have loads of respect for what he has done since going into coaching.

“For me it’s a perfect opportunity.”

The pair remain hugely popular with U’s fans, which could see some head to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium when Karl Robinson’s side are away next season.

Whing said: “Absolutely. I do think it’s a great opportunity with me and Beano having been at Oxford.

“He’s a cult hero down there and you just hope Oxford fans will come and support us.

“Banbury has a fantastic fanbase already and it will be good to a few more in through the gates.”

And although the lockdown means there are doubts over when next season will start, Whing is looking to turn it into a positive.

He said: “It gives us a bit more time to speak to players and see what everyone is thinking.”

“Obviously everyone is missing football, but it’s people’s health and safety which is paramount.

“We have just got to bide our time and hope we are back safely sooner rather than later.”