Oxford United announce new Head Coach
Des Buckingham was born and raised locally
Oxford United have announced the appointment of Des Buckingham as the club’s new men's first team Head Coach.
Oxford born Buckingham, who joins from City Football Group owned Mumbai City, has signed a long-term contract with the club.
Chairman Grant Ferguson said: “I couldn’t be happier that Des has agreed to become our new Head Coach. His approach to coaching and developing players is a perfect match for the vision we have for the club.”
Buckingham, who began his coaching career with Oxford United at the age of 18, progressed through the age-groups before eventually working with the men’s first team under Chris Wilder.
He moved to Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand in 2014, becoming the youngest coach in A-League history at the age of 31, before a spell with Stoke City’s U23 team. Des returned to New Zealand as Head Coach of the U20 and U23 teams, during which time he was also the Assistant Coach to the All Whites’ first team.
In September 2020, Buckingham joined A-League club Melbourne City as Assistant Coach after being identified by City Football Group, before being appointed as the Head Coach of Indian Super League team Mumbai City in October 2021.
During his time in charge, Mumbai City won the league in 2023.