Saudi Gazette report

ALQASSIM — Al Kholood have officially ushered in a new era with the appointment of English manager Des Buckingham ahead of the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League season.

The announcement, made Thursday, marks the latest strategic move by the Ar Rass-based club to build on their impressive debut campaign in the top flight, where they finished a remarkable ninth.

Buckingham, 40, brings a wealth of international coaching experience to the Saudi Pro League.

He began his senior managerial career in New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix before taking charge of the country's U-20 and U-23 national teams.

His coaching résumé includes stints at Melbourne City in Australia and a trophy-laden spell with Mumbai City in India, where he captured the Indian Super League title and established a dynamic, attacking identity for the side.

In 2023, Buckingham returned to England to take the reins at Oxford United, the club where his youth coaching journey began. In his first season, he guided the team to promotion to the Championship, England’s second division.

Now at the helm of Al Kholood — under new ownership — Buckingham is expected to build on the club’s top-tier momentum and lead a renewed push in the competitive RSL landscape. His first official match will come on August 28, when Al Kholood open their campaign away to Al Ettifaq.