Des Buckingham Leaves Mumbai City FC ‘With Immediate Effect’ to Take Up EFL Job – News18

ISL side Mumbai City FC coach Des Buckingham will step down from his role at the club with immediate effect, the club said on Thursday.

Buckingham decided to pursue an opportunity in the United Kingdom with EFL League One club Oxford United.

The 32-year-old is credited with bringing some awe-inspiring football to Indian shores with his attacking style of play and a huge focus on player development, which saw him bring the best out of multiple home-grown players.

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The Englishman was at the helm of the Mumbai-based club for 72 games and led the side to the ISL League Shield in the 2022-23 season as they topped the group stage table. Buckingham remains the youngest coach to do so.

The 32-year-old has a winning record of over fifty per cent and was the fastest to make his side score 100 goals in the history of the India top-flight tournament.

Mumbai became the first Indian side to win a game in AFC Champions League back in the year 2022 under the guidance of the English coach.

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Mumbai City FC CEO Kandarp Chandra lauded Buckingham’s efforts in vastly improving the side since he took over at the helm of the Islanders.

“Des came into the Club in a period of transition and did incredibly well not just to help lay the foundations of an elite football club but also to achieve great success both domestically in the Indian Super League and continentally at the AFC Champions League,” Chandra said.

“While we are sad to see him leave, Des wants to take up a project that is close back home in the English Football League.”

“His contribution to Mumbai City cannot be understated and with best wishes for the future, we say goodbye to Des and look towards the next chapter for Mumbai City.”