Former Mumbai City FC manager Des Buckingham leaves Oxford United

Des Buckingham was one of the most successful coaches in India.

Des Buckingham is a name that is quite popular in Indian football and the Indian Super League (ISL) in particular. Oxford United have confirmed that Des has parted ways with the club. The English football manager was part of the Mumbai City FC setup between 2021 and 2023 before leaving the club to move to England.

During his time with Mumbai City FC, Buckingham managed to win the ISL Shield in the 2022-23 season. The 39-year-old left the club midway through the 2023-24 season as the Islanders went on to win the ISL Cup under Petr Kratky.

Why was Des Buckingham let go by Oxford United?

Des Buckingham signed for Oxford United as their manager in November 2023. The 39-year-old helped The U’s finish fifth in the 2023-24 League One table, England’s third division.

The former Mumbai City manager eventually helped Oxford United gain promotion by winning the playoffs, to the delight of the supporters. However, the 2024-25 season has not gone as expected for Buckingham’s side.

Playing in the EFL Championship, England’s second-division, Oxford United are currently 20th in the 24-team league table. The U’s have 18 points from their 20 league games and are just one point above the relegation zone.

The official statement by Oxford United read, “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Des for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. The appointment of a new head coach will be confirmed in due course.”

Des Buckingham left Oxford United with a 34% win percentage in his one-year stint at the club. The Championship club has won just one of their last fifteen league games and hence a change seemed mandatory to try and avoid relegation.

How are Mumbai City doing in the post-Buckingham era?

After their ISL Cup win last season, Mumbai City have had a slow start to their 2024-25 Indian Super League campaign. The Islanders are currently outside the playoff spots and their fans have also recently been seen questioning their manager Petr Kratky after the 0-3 loss at home to Punjab FC.

While the chances of winning the ISL Shield are beyond them, Mumbai City are still in the hunt for a playoff berth. A 1-0 win over Mohammedan SC has taken the two-time champions to the 7th spot in the ISL table. The Islanders currently have 17 points from 11 league games.

With Des Buckingham’s Oxford stint now behind him, the manager might be considering other options in the coming months. Where do you think the Englishman will end up? Let me know your thoughts.

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