Des Buckingham issues statement on being sacked by boyhood club Oxford United, a decision that left many shocked on Sunday.
He expressed his gratitude and reflecting on his tenure, also acknowledging the dream of managing his hometown club and thanks the board for the opportunity.
He highlights the memorable promotion to the Championship last season, which he feels left the club in a better position than when he arrived.
Buckingham also expresses respect for the club’s decision to move in a different direction, despite his desire to achieve the season’s objective of staying in the league. He extends his thanks to the players, staff, and fans for their support, recognising their contributions to the club’s success.
— Des Buckingham (@DesBuckingham) December 16, 2024
He said in a classy message posted via his Twitter account: “Managing my boyhood club was always a dream of mine and as such I want to thank the board for giving me an opportunity that was so close to my heart.
“Last season’s promotion created memories that myself, my family and no doubt the fans will never forget.
I was brought into the club to try to get it to the championship and hopefully I’ve left it in a better place than when I arrived.
“I would have loved the opportunity to achieve this season’s objective of staying up but I respect the club’s decision to part ways and go in a different direction.
“I would like to thank the players and staff for their dedication and commitment during my time. They’re both a credit to themselves and this football club.
“I’m immensely proud of what we were able to achieve in such a short period of time.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the fans for their support, of both myself and the players, which was vital in getting us into the Championship for the first time in 25 years. I’ll always be one of you. Yellows.”
A year @OUFCOfficial, what a 12 months it has been – thank you.
pic.twitter.com/3Ad9jSiozi
— Des Buckingham (@DesBuckingham) November 16, 2024
The state of play on the search for his replacement? The Oxford Mail report they are targeting an early appointment of a new head coach in place by the weekend, when they head to Leeds United.
It’s understood that the decision to sack Buckingham was not a knee-jerk response to Saturday’s loss against the Owls, with it bubbling under the surface in recent days, perhaps most significantly following Wednesday night’s tame 2-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
Among the early bookmakers’ favourites are a number of currently unemployed managers, including the likes of Gary Rowett, Mark Robins, Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher and Steve Cooper.
Oxford United set to confirm appointment of new manager after parting with Des Buckingham
Here’s how Twitter users reacted after Des Buckingham issues statement on being sacked by boyhood club Oxford United…
@MorecambeFCFeed: Pathetic decision from the club. All the best in your next role, Des.
@TownsendJon80: One of our own Mr Buckingham, the memories you’ve left to the thousands of Oxford fans will never be forgotten and I personally thank you for that, madness how the club have made this decision and how they’ve done it, good luck in your next chapter mate.
@uptightfunk: Thank you, Des. I hope the outpouring of anger and frustration at your dismissal shows the fans were behind you. You will always be one of our own.
@YeloDB1: It has been an honour Des. You ‘reunited’ the club and we were proud to sing your name on the terraces. A legend for some many reasons but what a true gentleman you are too. Best wishes and thank you for everything. You’ll always be ‘one of our own’
@DaveClarke42: Thank you Des for everything that you have done for this football club. I am devastated as I’m sure you are by the decision. Go and be an absolute legend for someone else. We will still be watching with pride as you are as you say always one of us. 
@Theo_Woollard: One of our own. Thank you for everything Des and sorry the story ended this way. We can all tell you will be a success wherever you end up next and they will be lucky to have you!
@davidfish78: You represent the very best of our club and our county. None of us will ever forget a Sunny Wembley trip in May and I’m so sad you didn’t get the chance to create more days like that. Have a well deserved break #COYY
@AdamMorrison25: Thank you Des, for giving me and my son an unforgettable day at Wembley, you proved that day that tactically you are on point
Club legend in a year isn’t bad going, keep your head held high 
@ajgrundy1980: Ridiculously harsh. Victim of own success. Where’s the reward for achievement. Reflects on the club. Not the manager. Have to say (as an imps fan) you were slightly fortunate perhaps to go up, and take nothing away from it but if top 5 L1 that probably would be acceptable. 
@OUFCAddict: I am truly sorry for the way you have been treated. The ones who have made this decision with no statement or justification are cowards. They couldn’t even be arsed to write you an appreciative leaving statement. We don’t deserve you Des. #coyy
@ParthMadridista: That’s about it, now come back to Mumbai and Lead Us Des! 
@ollox__: Gave us a day at Wembley we will never forget. Always a yellow. Thanks for all your hard work Des
@srsharpe: Thank you Des. That update is a proper tear jerker. Thank you so much for May 18th, an amazing performance that will never be forgotten. You deserved longer and will be missed
@Stuartjamess: Thank you Des. Gave me & my dad a Wembley memory that he will never forget & neither will I. Keep your head held high. Nothing to be ashamed of, you came in and got the job done when many others couldn’t. Always will be one of us. Will always be an Oxford legend.
@MatthewDBruce: So sorry it ended like this but what a journey you’ve taken us on. Your impact will be felt for a long time and what you achieved will never be forgotten. Thanks for giving this club the love it deserved and reminding us fans how joyous football can be when the stars align
@bookiemonster81: Thank you Des. That last line broke me. I’m so sorry this has ended the way it has.
@redjules1965: Will always in our hearts Des and wishing you best of luck for the future, we will never forget what you did and thanks for getting us to where we are today, you will always be part of some memorable times. We have those times because of you 
@southoxox: Absolute legend. Loved by the fan base. Hope you never pay for a pint in Oxfordshire ever again.
@IsaacOUFC: Should have never ended like this. You well and truly made this club everything a football club should be, and for that we can’t thank you enough. An absolute icon of the club and one that will never be forgotten. Love you forever
@PCross125: Gutted that this happened. Think you are the man for the job personally. But great achievements and I wish you all the best with the next role. You’ll be a legend wherever you go.
@lauraellenp90: Thank you for everything Des. Wembley was a day that no one is going to ever forget for the rest of our lives
@pperos: Once a Yellow, always a Yellow. Thank you Des for representing our club with such integrity and for memories that will last a lifetime
@_amills_: I have no words Des. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Once a yellow, always a yellow
@gazelk72: Very odd decision- looks to me like you did a cracking job and you will undoubtedly be back in work very shortly. All the best wherever you end up
My Daughter Maya, who cried with joy to meet you at our lady’s school is again in tears but now for the wrong reasons. We are truly sorry to see you go Des and I’m sure I speak for nearly all OUFC fans I saying we did NOT want this.
Forever a yellow!— John J Barrett (@johnbarrett200) December 16, 2024
Thankyou for everything Des. Your hard work. Your dedication. We’ve had the championship dream for some time and you made it a reality. Gave us all memories we will never forget. All the best to you going forward, forever one of our own
— Brannagans magic hat (@heyit5sam) December 16, 2024
Thank you for one of the best days I’ve had following this club
— Fraser Webster (@fraserwebster12) December 16, 2024
Thank you Des, for giving Oxford Utd fans one of our greatest ever days, for being a leader we could all be proud of, and for everything.
— Andrew Dawson (@ADawsonBros) December 16, 2024
Thank you Des. Adored by the fans and the community. A hero. You connected every aspect of our club together and I don’t think I’ll ever see another manager who will do that as well as you did. You also delivered the best day of my life. Should never have been sacked.
— Lucas (@oufc_lucas) December 16, 2024
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