“It represents Mumbai, the fans and the region”: Des Buckingham opens up on the new crest, new signings and pre-season preparations
Mumbai, 26 July 2023: With the sun setting on the unprecedented, record-breaking 2022-23 season, Mumbai City FC are gearing up for new beginnings. The Islanders’ First Team squad is currently in Bangkok, Thailand for their pre-season training camp which will undoubtedly serve as a key part of their preparation for the 2023-24 campaign.
A little over a week ago, Mumbai City FC also unveiled the club’s new crest that showcased the Islanders’ new identity and highlighted their deep association with the city of Mumbai. The entire First Team squad, along with Des Buckingham were present at the historic unveiling in Mumbai before setting off to Bangkok.
The Islanders’ head coach expressed his excitement on the development, “I like what the new crest represents, it recognises where we come from. It also links into what we want to be now and in the future. It’s not just a club crest – it represents Mumbai, the fans, the region and a club that is fully embedded into the CFG family.”, Buckingham said.
Now well into their pre-season camp at the Alpine Football Camp in Bangkok, The Islanders are warming up for what will be a crucial and rigorous 2023-24 season and the 38-year-old Englishman is pleased with the start his squad has made.
“We have had two very good blocks of training. The way the players have reported back and the work they have clearly done in the off season has put us in a very strong position. After what we did last year, it was important that we continue the success and the way the players prepare and look after themselves is so important to the start of that journey again. I am very pleased with the facilities we have here that are going to allow us to prepare as well as we can,” said Buckingham.
With the infusion of a few new signings to the Islanders’ set up, Des Buckingham reiterated on the importance of pre-season preparations. “It may not look like we have made a lot of signings but when I look at the contracts that we have extended, if I was at another club, all nine players would be considered big signings. To add to this, we have brought in Akash, Tiri and Yoëll and two young boys in Nathan and Franklin, so I feel we have made important additions to the squad”, he opined.
“It’s important we recruit good players of course, but we also make sure we recruit good people. The environment that we’ve built here and the success we’ve had is down to the group, including the support staff. They (the new players) have adapted and fit in very well so far. They’ve already shown good and positive things in 5-6 sessions so far and I’m quite excited about what they will add to allow us to continue getting better,” added the Islanders’ head coach.
Mumbai City FC will kick off the 2023-24 season with the iconic Durand Cup. After a stellar run in last year’s edition ended with the Islanders’ finishing as runners-up, Des Buckingham’s side will be eager to go a step further. The Islanders will begin their 2023 Durand Cup campaign with their Group B opener against Mohammedan SC on August 5 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Also Read: Durand Cup Trophy Flag-in Kolkata
Also Read: Happy to reunite at one of the best clubs in the ISL: Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh
MFA’s Nadkarni Cup 2024 kicks off on November 4 with 21 teams competing
The Nadkarni Cup, one of Mumbai’s most cherished football tournaments, is back for its 2024 edition, starting November 4 at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Bandra. Organized annually by the…
Sushil Kuamr 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup
Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 – Honoring a Legend Through the Spirit of Competition
This November 9, the Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 will take center stage, bringing together veteran players in memory of Sushil Kumar, a former football star whose legacy…
Nine Venues, One Final Destination: Santosh Trophy 2024 to kicks off November 15th across India
With Hyderabad set to host the much-anticipated final rounds of the 78th National Football Championship, the journey toward the trophy is about to begin across Eight cities nationwide. As each…
Mumbai City FC Outlasts Kerala Blasters in Six-Goal Thriller at the Arena
In an electrifying encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters. The high-stakes duel saw Nikolaos Karelis net a brace, while…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC dominates with a 4-2 win over D.K. Flag Foundation in Mumbai Premier League
In a thrilling encounter, MYJ-GMSC secured a commanding 4-2 victory over D.K. Flag Foundation, showcasing their offensive prowess and seizing control of the game with standout performances. MYJ-GMSC began with…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai City FC Strikes Back with Style: Late Goals Secure 3-1 Win Over Kenkre FC
Mumbai City FC with a crucial victory to secure their first win in the Mumbai Premier League this season, turning a tense clash against Kenkre FC into a memorable 3-1…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.