DES Buckingham hopes to do his family and the people of Oxfordshire proud after arriving back in the county to take over as head coach at Oxford United.

It was announced yesterday evening that Oxford-born Buckingham had been chosen as Liam Manning’s replacement after the latter left for Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City last week.

Buckingham touched down back in the UK this morning after paying his farewells to those at his former club, the Indian Super League side Mumbai City.

READ ALSO: Des Buckingham posts classy message after leaving Mumbai City

Speaking at his first press conference as U’s boss earlier this afternoon, Buckingham said: “The last 24 hours have been very emotional. Emotions full of excitement around the opportunity that’s been presented here and one of sadness leaving a place I’ve been made to feel so welcome in Mumbai.

“It’s been very busy and a mixture of emotions, both of sadness, and excitement about what’s in front of us.”

Buckingham was filmed saying an emotional goodbye to Mumbai City supporters during the early hours in India, with fans gathering at the airport to wish him well as he returned to his roots.

“I landed at 9.30 this morning into London Heathrow, after being met at the airport at one o’clock in the morning by about 30 or 40 Mumbai fans, who had come to wish me luck,” said Buckingham.

“That caught me out a little bit because that was a very special and nice moment, and a good way to leave.

“I then landed here at 9.30 and got in my dad’s car. I came home, showered, and then came straight here. I’m very much looking forward to what’s coming.”

The well-wishers were not limited to those in Mumbai though, with United’s fanbase opening their arms to the homecoming of one of their own.

Buckingham, who grew up in Cowley, has been a popular selection by the U’s board and he revealed he has been inundated with messages of support from United supporters.

He made a poignant message about one fan in particular, his grandmother who first introduced him to the U’s.

Buckingham said: “My nan, who is no longer with us, was a season ticket holder here for 25 years.

“She used to go up to the Manor every week on her moped, and she took me to my first game.

“The whole family are Oxford United fans, including myself, so to be able to come full circle back here is a very proud moment for my family.

“A lot of people that have reached out to me have said how proud they are to see a local boy coming home, and it’s a nice story, I get that. I hope I can do people proud.”