Oxford United boss Des Buckingham has admitted there has been interest from other clubs but his commitment to the U’s is strong.
Oxford United brought Buckingham back to the club last November, hiring him as the replacement for Liam Manning, who left to join Bristol City in the Championship.
Buckingham started his coaching journey with the U’s way back in 2004 at academy level and after roles in New Zealand, he fell under the City Football Group banner as he landed his first senior management role since 2017 with Mumbai City in 2021.
Success there had him on English radars as an upcoming coach, but it was the Kassam Stadium where he would head to link up with his hometown club. Buckingham’s maiden campaign ended in dream fashion too, sneaking into the League One play-offs before going on to win the whole thing.
This season hasn’t started badly either. Three wins in six games for Oxford United, all of which have been at home, leaves them in an impressive 9th.
Buckingham’s work has continued to draw high praise and now the 39-year-old has revealed his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Speaking on BBC Radio Oxford’s The Dub podcast (quotes via the Oxford Mail), he said other clubs have shown interest in his services, but it was not reciprocated.
“What I will say is that certainly since Wembley, I’ve had the opportunity where other people were interested. They’re not of interest to me,” the Oxford United boss said.
“I can never say never, it’s not the reality of the world we work.
“As long as you continually feel we’re going in the right direction that we set out to, and you continually feel that you’re wanted, and as long as we keep doing well in the first team space, then as long as I’m happy, I’m in a good space.
“That’s probably the best answer I can give to you without anything ever coming back to haunt me.
“I’m very happy with what I’m doing, I’m leading my local club, there’s been a chance to seek other things, which I’m certainly not interested in right now, and it’s making sure as long as you’re wanted and you’re enjoying your job, I’m happy.”
Buckingham insisted hometown club Oxford United is the place he wants to be and while he has obvious desires to reach a higher level, he’ll never lose sight of the task with the Yellows.
Committed to the task
Oxford United have bright visions for the future after finally rising from League One and hometown boss Buckingham can play a big part in fulfilling these ambitions at the Kassam Stadium.
As a young English coach working overseas, he already had a good reputation. Having finally brought Championship football back to his club though, his stock has only increased further.
If Buckingham and the U’s can maintain this strong start to the season, it might not be long before more clubs come knocking amid previous interest in his services.
Looking forward
After a good start to life in the Championship, a challenging run of fixtures awaits Oxford United.
Their home form has been key to the strong start and it will be really put to the test against Burnley this weekend. A trip to Luton Town follows before heading south to fellow promotion winners Portsmouth for the final game before the international break.
Clashes against West Brom, Derby County and Sunderland follow, so it will be intriguing to see just what sort of position the Yellows find themselves at the end of next month.