Bolton EFL Trophy win gives them ‘head start’ for play-off final against Oxford

Buckingham was in the Wembley stands back in 2010 for Oxford’s first ever play-off final when they beat York City 3-1 to earn promotion back into the EFL.

This time he will lead out his Oxford United side for the chance to return to the second tier of English football for the first time in 25 years.

“It’ll be a proud moment to lead out the team at Wembley,” Buckingham told BBC Radio Oxford.

“I’ll be even prouder if come the end of the game we’ve done everything we can to get the performance and result we need.”

The U’s beat fourth-placed finishers Peterborough over two legs, winning 1-0 at the Kassam before progressing with a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Weston Homes Stadium.

There has been a ten day gap between the second leg at Posh and Saturday’s final at Wembley but it has been time that Buckingham felt had been used well.

“The mood in the group is focused but relaxed,” Buckingham added.

“We feel we have done everything we need to be in the best position come Saturday.

“The quality of the training this week was as high as it has ever been. We should play at Wembley every week the way the environment has been amongst the players.”

Latest news
Related news