According to journalist Dan Marsh, Des Buckingham, the manager of Mumbai City, has refused to speak with Charlton Athletic.
Following the departure of Dean Holden from Charlton Athletic last month, the club is searching for a new manager.
Several names have already been mentioned in connection with the vacancy at The Valley, although few seem to be in the very early stages. Though Buckingham might be a fresh opponent.
The 38-year-old established his mark as a coach despite playing in his childhood for teams like Reading and Oxford United. He moved to New Zealand in 2015, serving briefly as both the assistant manager and manager of the Wellington Phoenix.
Later, he managed the U.S. U20 and U.S. U23 teams in addition to playing for the national team. Before taking over Mumbai City in the Indian Super League in 2021, Buckingham worked as an assistant at Melbourne City. With Mumbai, he won two domestic championships and compiled a win percentage of 57.14% (36 wins from 63 games).
And it seems like Charlton is interested. But Mumbai has refused the Addicks permission to speak to Buckingham, despite the Addicks’ agreement to pay his compensation.
The search is ongoing.
Since Holden was fired, Charlton Athletic has given itself a very difficult assignment.
It remains to be seen if doing so was the right choice. Buckingham is obviously someone the Addicks like, but it appears that they are moving forward with their next appointment.
Mumbai appear committed to holding onto him despite Marsh’s apparent compensation claim, so Charlton may leave quickly given that Mumbai don’t appear eager to lose their boss.
Prior to the Addicks’ return to play against Stevenage later this month, Charlton has the current international break to recruit a new manager.
🚨Understand Charlton have been denied permission to speak with Mumbai City head coach Des Buckingham.
City Football Group don't want to lose Buckingham and blocked Charlton's approach even though #CAFC agreed to meet the relevant compensation demands.
— Dan Marsh (@DanielMarsh92) September 6, 2023