Buckingham makes move from Phoenix to Stoke City

Former Wellington Phoenix coach Des Buckingham is joining the under-23 coaching department of English Premier League outfit, Stoke City.

The Englishman stepped in as head coach following the resignation of Ernie Merrick in December and did a solid job, guiding the side to a six-win, six-draw, seven-loss record from 19 games in charge.

Wellington failed to make the finals for the second straight season, finishing seventh in the 10-team league and missing the playoffs by six points.

Buckingham was forced to re-apply for his job at the end of the season along with co-coach Chris Greenacre, but they were unsuccessful, missing out to Swiss-born, Bosnian-raised Dutch national Darije Kalezic, who was appointed last month.

Greenacre will remain with the Phoenix and is assisting training with the first team.

Buckingham first joined the club in 2015 as goalkeeping coach before being promoted as an assistant coach and then serving as interim co-coach and head coach in 2017.

He returns to England after three years in New Zealand. While sad to depart the Phoenix, he was excited about the opportunity ahead with Stoke City, who finished 13th in the English Premier League this past season.

‘‘I was fortunate to work with excellent people since arriving at the club,’’ Buckingham said.

Phoenix general manager David Dome said Buckingham’s departure came with mixed feelings, but showcased the club’s ability not just to develop young players, but staff as well.

The Phoenix will announce their new goalkeeping coach to replace Buckingham later this week.