Des Buckingham admits he was offered chance to leave U’s since promotion

DES Buckingham admits the opportunity was presented to him to leave Oxford United but his commitment to the U’s is unwavering.

The United head coach has been loosely linked with jobs following the club’s promotion via the Sky Bet League One play-offs in May.

Such success, combined with an impressive start to the Championship season, means that such rumours and interest are natural.

Answering supporters’ questions on BBC Radio Oxford’s The Dub podcast, Buckingham was asked if he would still be U’s boss at the end of the season.

He replied: “I don’t think it’s sometimes my fault. I think I’m just below the top third of managers who were still in place when I was appointed last November, which shows how unstable this career path can be.”

“What I can say is that since Wembley I have had the opportunity to see other people take an interest in me. That is not the case for me.”

“I can never say never, that’s not the reality of the world we work in.

“As long as you continually feel that we are going in the right direction that we have chosen, and you continually feel that you are wanted, and as long as we continue to do well in the first-team space, then as long as I am happy, I am in a good space.

“That’s probably the best answer I can give you without it haunting me.

“I’m very happy with what I do, I run my local club, I’ve had the opportunity to look for other things, which certainly doesn’t interest me at the moment, and that’s making sure that as long as you’re wanted and you enjoy your job, I’m happy.”

Buckingham added: “I want to coach at the highest level possible. I don’t know where that is at the moment, and I’m in no rush to do it.”

“The fact that this is now the highest level I have coached at, and the fact that I am doing this at my hometown club means a lot to me.

“If I can do that with my hometown club, I will continually try to do everything I can to be as successful as possible at that club.

“I’ve never been one to look further than where I am right now. If you do that, you lose sight of what’s in front of you.

“What got me here was focusing on my work and trying to do the best job I could.

“That then opened up other opportunities to do other things, whether that’s progressing within CFG (City Football Group) or other potential moves, and you have to make a decision whether you think it’s the right time, the right feeling, whether you’re ready for it and whether it’s the right thing to pursue.

“I want to coach at the highest level. That’s what I’m doing at the moment. I don’t have a plan, and if you told me which club would be interested, I honestly wouldn’t know how to answer you.”