Des Buckingham’s journey to Mumbai City success – via Oxford United and Oceania

English football coach Des Buckingham is more than 5,000 miles from home, working in India’s biggest city.

The 38-year-old is the head coach of Mumbai City FC of the Indian Super League, the country’s top flight.

He recently led them to their second league title, their first under his leadership, with a record win and points tally.

“Trophies can define success in some ways,” Buckingham told BBC South Today.

“But we scored more goals and amassed more points than anyone has ever done in the league before.

“It is the way that we went about the win and the records that were broken along the way that mean the most to me.”

Buckingham, from Oxford, was named Indian football league manager of the year after winning the league title with games to spare.

But the club had to wait to celebrate the achievement with home fans, who were denied the opportunity last time they lifted the trophy.

“We won the league at an away game in Goa so we didn’t get chance to celebrate with our supporters until the final game of the season at home.

“The last time we won it was during Covid, so there was no-one in the stadium.

“To be able to share the title moment with the fans this time was very special.”