“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 ReadDurand Cup Trophy Flag-in Kolkata

Also ReadHappy to reunite at one of the best clubs in the ISL: Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh

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.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share

Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division

MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…

Share

Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League

Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…

Share