Des Buckingham, the 39-year-old manager of Oxford United, has had quite the journey to get to where he is today. Born and raised in Oxford, Buckingham has a deep affection for his hometown and the local football club. He recalls fond memories of going to games with his grandmother at the Manor Ground and the unique characteristics of the old stadium.
After spending time coaching in Oceania and India, Buckingham returned to Oxford United and led the team to promotion from League One. This was a significant achievement for the club, which had not played at the Championship level for 25 years. The victory in the play-off final against Bolton at Wembley was a dream come true for Buckingham and the fans.
Buckingham’s coaching journey has taken him around the world, from New Zealand to Australia and India. He credits his time coaching in New Zealand with providing him with the experience and skills needed to succeed as a head coach. His success with New Zealand’s Under-20 team at the World Cup in 2019 was a testament to his coaching abilities.
Upon returning to Oxford, Buckingham found familiar faces at the club, including players he had coached as children. He is excited about the future of the club, especially with plans for a new stadium in the works. Buckingham is determined to make an impact in the Championship, despite the club being one of the smaller teams in the league.
Overall, Buckingham’s journey from Oxford to the Championship is a story of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his hometown club. As he leads Oxford United into the new season, fans are hopeful for what the future holds under his guidance.