Paul Buckle

Paul Buckle

Paul John Buckle (born 16 December 1970) is an English former professional footballer and former manager of Torquay United, Bristol Rovers and Conference National side Luton Town.

An apprentice at Brentford, Buckle turned professional in 1989, was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers in 1993 then joined Torquay United in February 1994 before moving to Exeter City in October 1995. Due to Exeter's financial problems, Buckle left and joined Northampton Town but failed to make their first team.

In October 1996 Buckle returned to Wycombe on non-contract terms, then moved to Colchester United in late November. He returned to Exeter on a free transfer in July 1999, signing a two-year contract. Buckle sustained a serious ankle injury in the opening game of the new season, though he made a full recovery and regained a first team place.

He then moved into non-League football with Aldershot Town (2002-2003) and Weymouth (2003-2004) before returning to Exeter City as player-coach in March 2005, first under manager Alex Inglethorpe then his successor Paul Tisdale. He continued to play and later became assistant manager.

In June 2007, Buckle was appointed manager of Torquay United, helping return them to the Football League at the second attempt. Following a 1–0 defeat by Stevenage in the League Two play-off final in May 2011, he left the club to become the manager of newly-relegated Bristol Rovers. He replaced many of the playing staff, but the team won only 6 of their first 23 league games and, in January 2012, Buckle was dismissed from the club.

On 8 April 2012 Buckle was confirmed as the new manager of Luton Town following the departure of Gary Brabin. He led the Hatters to the Play Off Final at Wembley (losing 1-0 to York) and ensured his team became the first from non-league to knock a top flight side out of the FA Cup for 24 years when Luton went to Norwich and beat them 1-0. Buckle left Luton on 19th February for "personal reasons".