Wellington Phoenix goalkeeping coach Des Buckingham has signed a three-year contract with the club during which he will also act as an assistant coach to Ernie Merrick.
Buckingham has been working for the club as goalkeeping coach since Jonathan Gould moved to West Bromwich Albion, while also fulfilling his role as Football Development Manager with Capital Football.
That dual role has now come to an end and Buckingham is looking forward to his new role.
“The opportunity not only to work as coach with the goalkeepers but also the full squad of players each week is something that works well here, and one I am looking forward to spending more time doing, especially from the defensive viewpoint,” Buckingham said.
Buckingham, who had a first team coaching role at English Football League Club Oxford United before moving to Wellington two and a half years ago, is currently in the process of completing his outfield coaching Pro Licence and holds a UEFA outfield A Licence and a UEFA goalkeeping A Licence.
“I’m looking forward to putting in place a goalkeeping structure throughout the club, including the reserve side and Academy that will unearth the best up-and-coming New Zealand goalkeepers across all ages in the coming years whilst ultimately achieving success on the field with the first team.”
