Des Buckingham on Oxford United's Promotion and Future Aspirations

Oxford United's Exciting Journey Back to the Championship

Des Buckingham's triumphant return to Oxford United brings a breath of fresh air and excitement as the club finally ascends to the Championship for the first time in over a generation. This remarkable achievement marks a heartfelt connection between Buckingham and his hometown club, where he first started as a young boy.

The Emotional Moment at Wembley

Standing on the steps of Wembley, overlooking 35,000 fans, was a moment that Des Buckingham describes as unforgettable. His passion and dedication to Oxford United are palpable as he reflects on the joy of winning against Bolton and celebrating their return to the second tier of English football.

Memories of a Historic Day

The memories of that significant win lingered throughout the summer, culminating in an open-top bus parade that drew thousands in support of the team. Buckingham shares, "I had never seen it the way I saw it that evening. The amount of people... it really showed how big the club is to the people."

Returning to Roots

One of the highlights for Buckingham was visiting his former primary school with the trophy in hand, creating a full-circle moment that deeply resonated with him. His ties to Oxford, having been a supporter since 1990 and experiencing pivotal moments as a fan, make his role as manager even more special.

The Transition: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Task

Taking over from Liam Manning was no easy feat, especially with the team already performing well in League One. Buckingham, who previously gained experience coaching in New Zealand and India, faced skepticism as he sought to implement his vision without disrupting the established team's success.

Finding His Footing

Describing his situation as similar to that of a stepfather, Buckingham acknowledged the challenge of building relationships while not wanting to undermine the previous work done by Manning. However, the tipping point came after a staggering 5-0 defeat, prompting a decisive shift in tactics and formation.

A New Playing Philosophy and Tactics

Oxford United's transformation under Buckingham was marked by an aggressive playing style, shifting from a compact defensive formation to a more expansive and creative approach. The newfound attacking flair led to remarkable victories and turned the team's fortunes around.

The 'Reverse-Mullet' System

Des Buckingham humorously references EFL experts who dubbed his style as the "reverse-mullet" system; solid at the back while being dynamic in attack. Under his management, Oxford became the top scorers in League One, showcasing their potential to compete in a higher league.

Preparing for the Championship Challenge

As Oxford United steps into the Championship, Buckingham understands the challenges ahead against clubs with greater resources. Despite losing pivotal players like Josh Murphy, he remains optimistic about adapting their strategies while maintaining the team’s core identity.

Tactical Smartness Required

"We will have to be smart about how we set up tactically, similar to what we did at Wembley," Buckingham explained, emphasizing the importance of playing attractive football while being results-oriented.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

With an ambitious ownership group and plans for a new stadium, the future looks bright for Oxford United. Buckingham shares the vision of establishing the club not just in the Championship but aiming for a lasting place among England's top 30 clubs.

Building Excitement with Fans

Fans have shown tremendous support, recounting their experiences from the promotion journey. Buckingham emphasized the importance of maintaining this excitement and making the supporters proud with their performances in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

The new season holds promise as Des Buckingham leads Oxford United into unfamiliar territory. As they prepare for their first Championship fixture in 26 years, the focus remains on building a successful future while cherishing the club's rich history.

Join us as we follow Oxford United's journey this season through Sky Sports, capturing every thrilling moment on and off the pitch.