Paul Buckle
Encyclopedia
Paul John Buckle is an English
professional footballer
and football club manager. He is currently manager of League Two
side Bristol Rovers
.
, turning professional in July 1989. He played 57 league games (15 as substitute) for Brentford, scoring just once. He also played three Conference
games on loan to Wycombe Wanderers
before leaving on a free transfer to be signed by Don O'Riordan, the Torquay United
manager in February 1994.
After nine goals in 59 league games, Buckle moved to local rivals Exeter City
in October 1995, again on a free transfer. However, with Exeter suffering serious financial problems and almost going out of business, Buckle left in the 1996 close-season as with City in administration they could not afford his wages. He played in a friendly for Cambridge United
(away to Watford
) on 7 August. However, later that month joined Northampton Town
, but failed to make the Cobblers first team.
On 18 October 1996 he returned to Wycombe Wanderers
on non-contract terms, before moving to Colchester United
on the 28th of November. He helped Colchester to promotion from Division Three by playing in the play-off final at Wembley against Torquay United
. After seven goals in 106 league games for Colchester, Buckle returned to Exeter City
on a free transfer on 2 July 1999, signing a two-year contract. He sustained a serious ankle injury in the opening game of the new season, and although he made a full recovery and regained a first team place, Buckle was one of many players transfer-listed by Exeter manager Noel Blake
in May 2000. However, he remained at St. James' Park, playing in 41 league games the following season.
and continued in this role under Inglethorpe's successor Paul Tisdale
. Buckle continued to play regularly during this spell and eventually became assistant manager. A role in which he helped Exeter City
to the Conference playoff final at Wembley
at the end of the 2006–07 season although they lost to Morecambe
.
, Buckle was keen to pursue his own job as a manager and in June 2007, he was appointed manager of relegated Torquay United
by new Chief Executive Colin Lee
.
In his first season at Plainmoor
he led Torquay to a third placed finish in the Conference
and thus a place in the end of season playoffs to get back into the Football League. Torquay would face Buckle's former club and local rivals Exeter City
. Despite a 2-1 win in the away leg, Exeter hit back and Torquay lost 4–1 at home (5–3 on aggregate). Buckle had also taken Torquay to the FA Trophy
final, however that was also to end in disappointment as the Gulls went down 1–0 to Ebbsfleet United at Wembley
.
Despite a slow start to the next campaign Torquay bounced back to again qualify for the playoffs (this time in fourth place). They battled past Histon
in the semi finals (2–1 on aggregate) and set up a final against Cambridge United
again at Wembley. Torquay beat Cambridge 2–0 with goals from Chris Hargreaves
and Tim Sills
to return to The Football League
at the second attempt.
In September 2009, Buckle's contract was extended until November 2011. But he decided to exit Plainmoor following the Gulls 1-0 defeat by Stevenage at Old Trafford
on 28 May 2011. During his time at Torquay was linked with a move away to another of his former clubs, Colchester United but he decided to stay.
.
He took with him his assistant Shaun North,goalkeeper Scott Bevan
and Chris Zebroski
.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
professional footballer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
and football club manager. He is currently manager of League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
.
Career
Buckle began his career as an apprentice at BrentfordBrentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
, turning professional in July 1989. He played 57 league games (15 as substitute) for Brentford, scoring just once. He also played three Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
games on loan to Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
before leaving on a free transfer to be signed by Don O'Riordan, the Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
manager in February 1994.
After nine goals in 59 league games, Buckle moved to local rivals Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
in October 1995, again on a free transfer. However, with Exeter suffering serious financial problems and almost going out of business, Buckle left in the 1996 close-season as with City in administration they could not afford his wages. He played in a friendly for Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
(away to Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
) on 7 August. However, later that month joined Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
, but failed to make the Cobblers first team.
On 18 October 1996 he returned to Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
on non-contract terms, before moving to Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
on the 28th of November. He helped Colchester to promotion from Division Three by playing in the play-off final at Wembley against Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
. After seven goals in 106 league games for Colchester, Buckle returned to Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
on a free transfer on 2 July 1999, signing a two-year contract. He sustained a serious ankle injury in the opening game of the new season, and although he made a full recovery and regained a first team place, Buckle was one of many players transfer-listed by Exeter manager Noel Blake
Noel Blake
Noel Blake is a retired footballer and current head coach of the England national under-19 football team...
in May 2000. However, he remained at St. James' Park, playing in 41 league games the following season.
Coaching and management
In March 2005, Buckle returned to Exeter City once more, this time as player-coach under manager Alex InglethorpeAlex Inglethorpe
Alexander Matthew "Alex" Inglethorpe is an English former footballer, who played for Watford, Leyton Orient, Exeter City and Barnet. He is now youth coach at Tottenham Hotspur.-Playing career:...
and continued in this role under Inglethorpe's successor Paul Tisdale
Paul Tisdale
Paul Robert Tisdale is a retired professional footballer. He is the current manager of Exeter City.-Southampton:...
. Buckle continued to play regularly during this spell and eventually became assistant manager. A role in which he helped Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
to the Conference playoff final at Wembley
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
at the end of the 2006–07 season although they lost to Morecambe
Morecambe F.C.
Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. It plays its football in League Two, the fourth division of English football, having been promoted in 2007 for the first time in their history to the Football League. They played their home matches at Christie Park...
.
Torquay United
After his successful spell as assistant at Exeter CityExeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
, Buckle was keen to pursue his own job as a manager and in June 2007, he was appointed manager of relegated Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
by new Chief Executive Colin Lee
Colin Lee
Colin Lee is an English football manager and former footballer. He is currently Chief Executive of League Two side Torquay United and President of Buckfastleigh Rangers Football & Social Club.-Playing career:...
.
In his first season at Plainmoor
Plainmoor
Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:...
he led Torquay to a third placed finish in the Conference
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
and thus a place in the end of season playoffs to get back into the Football League. Torquay would face Buckle's former club and local rivals Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
. Despite a 2-1 win in the away leg, Exeter hit back and Torquay lost 4–1 at home (5–3 on aggregate). Buckle had also taken Torquay to the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
final, however that was also to end in disappointment as the Gulls went down 1–0 to Ebbsfleet United at Wembley
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
.
Despite a slow start to the next campaign Torquay bounced back to again qualify for the playoffs (this time in fourth place). They battled past Histon
Histon F.C.
Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league...
in the semi finals (2–1 on aggregate) and set up a final against Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
again at Wembley. Torquay beat Cambridge 2–0 with goals from Chris Hargreaves
Chris Hargreaves
Christian "Chris" Hargreaves is a former English footballer who played as a forward and a midfielder from 1989 until 2010.-Career:...
and Tim Sills
Tim Sills
Timothy "Tim" Sills is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Basingstoke Town.Sills was a product of Millwall's youth system and was a regular in the club's youth team up until he left in 1997...
to return to The Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
at the second attempt.
In September 2009, Buckle's contract was extended until November 2011. But he decided to exit Plainmoor following the Gulls 1-0 defeat by Stevenage at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
on 28 May 2011. During his time at Torquay was linked with a move away to another of his former clubs, Colchester United but he decided to stay.
Bristol Rovers
On 30 May it was announced that Buckle would become the new manager of Bristol RoversBristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
.
He took with him his assistant Shaun North,goalkeeper Scott Bevan
Scott Bevan
Scott Bevan is an English footballer and currently plays as a goalkeeper for League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Football career:...
and Chris Zebroski
Chris Zebroski
Christopher Matthew "Chris" Zebroski is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Club career:...
.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Brentford Brentford F.C. Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One.... |
1989–1994 | 42 (15) | 1 | 3 (1) | 0 | 5 (1) | 0 | 6 (1) | 0 | 56 (18) | 1 |
| All | 42 (15) | 1 | 3 (1) | 0 | 5 (1) | 0 | 6 (1) | 0 | 56 (18) | 1 | |
| Wycombe Wanderers Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play... (loan) |
1993 | 3 | 0 | ||||||||
| 3 | 0 | ||||||||||
| All | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 0 | |
| Torquay United Torquay United F.C. Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley... |
1994-95 1994-95 in English football -Premiership:Blackburn Rovers ended their 81-year wait for the league title thanks to the strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton which scored a total of more than 50 league goals. Manchester United would have made it three league titles in a row if they had been able to turn a 1-1 draw... |
57 (2) | 9 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 9 |
| All | 57(2) | 9 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 9 | |
| Exeter City Exeter City F.C. Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003... |
1995–96 1995-96 in English football - Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title.... |
22 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 25 | 2 | ||||||||
| All | 22 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | 25 | 2 | |
| Northampton Town Northampton Town F.C. Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season... |
1996–97 1996-97 in English football The 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :... |
0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| All | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0 | 0 | |
| Wycombe Wanderers Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play... |
1996–97 1996-97 in English football The 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :... |
0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| All | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0 | 0 | |
| Colchester United Colchester United F.C. Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910.... |
1996–97 1996-97 in English football The 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :... |
22 | 0 | ||||||||
| 22 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1997–98 1997-98 in English football The 1997-1998 season was the 118th season of competitive football in England.-Premier League:Arsenal overhauled Manchester United's lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title... |
36 (5) | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 40 (5) | 5 | |
| 1998–99 1998-99 in English football -Premier League:Manchester United overcame close competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea to win their fifth Premiership title in seven seasons thanks to the comeback of Roy Keane after his long-term injury and a transfer raid totalling nearly £30 million which netted Aston Villa striker... |
39 (4) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 43 (4) | 2 | |
| All | 97 (9) | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 105 (9) | 7 | |
| Exeter City Exeter City F.C. Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003... |
1999–00 | 27 | 1 | 3 (1) | 0 | ||||||
| 5 | 1 | 35 (1) | 2 | ||||||||
| 2000–01 2000-01 in English football The 2000–01 season was the 121st season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Manchester United secured their 3rd Premiership title in succession and their 7th title in just nine seasons... |
39 (2) | 3 | 1 | 0 | |||||||
| 1 | 0 | 41 (2) | 3 | ||||||||
| 2001–02 2001-02 in English football The 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the... |
19 (6) | 1 | 2 | 0 | |||||||
| 1 | 0 | 21 (6) | 1 | ||||||||
| All | 85 (8) | 5 | 6 (1) | 0 | - | - | 7 | 1 | 98 (9) | 6 | |
| Aldershot Town Aldershot Town F.C. Aldershot Town Football Club is an association football club based in Aldershot, Hampshire, England, founded in the spring of 1992 just after the closure of debt-ridden Fourth Division club Aldershot Football Club... |
2002–03 2002-03 in English football The 2002-03 season was the 123rd season of competitive football in England.-Most Memorable rise:*Wigan Athletic marked their 25th season of Football League membership by winning the Division Two championship and reaching the league's second tier for the very first time.-Most Memorable... |
29 | 5 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
| 30 | 5 | ||||||||||
| All | 29 | 5 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 30 | 5 | |
| Weymouth Weymouth F.C. Weymouth F.C. are an English football club based in the town of Weymouth, who currently play in the Southern League Premier Division.-History:Weymouth Football Club were founded in 1890 and played their first game on 24 September of that year... |
2003–04 2003-04 in English football The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game.... |
37 | 9 | ||||||||
| 37 | 9 | ||||||||||
| All | 37 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 37 | 9 | |
| Exeter City Exeter City F.C. Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003... |
2004-05 2004-05 in English football The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League... |
9 (2) | 1 | ||||||||
| 9 (2) | 1 | ||||||||||
| All | 9 (2) | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 (2) | 1 | |
| Tiverton Town Tiverton Town F.C. Tiverton Town Football Club are an English football club based in Tiverton. The club are currently members of the Southern Football League South & West Division and play at Ladysmead.-History:... (loan) |
2004-05 2004-05 in English football The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League... |
12 | 1 | ||||||||
| 12 | 1 | ||||||||||
| All | 12 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | 1 | |
| Exeter City Exeter City F.C. Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003... |
2005–06 2005-06 in English football The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether... |
24 (4) | 3 | ||||||||
| 24 (4) | 3 | ||||||||||
| 2006–07 2006-07 in English football The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five... |
|||||||||||
| All | 24 (4) | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 24 (41) | 3 | |
| Career totals | 417 (40) | 43 | 16 (2) | 0 | 17 (1) | 0 | 18 (1) | 1 | 468 (44) | 44 | |
Promotions
- 2008–09: Conference NationalConference NationalConference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
Playoff Winner (promotion to League TwoFootball League TwoFootball League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
) - Torquay UnitedTorquay United F.C.Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...