Paul Buckle leaves Torquay United to become manager of Bristol Rovers
Paul Buckle has left Torquay to take up the vacant managerial position at Bristol Rovers. Buckle, who led the Gulls to the League Two play-off final, where they lost 1-0 to Stevenage at Old Trafford on Saturday, becomes the permanent successor to Dave Penney. Rovers' caretaker manager, Stuart Campbell, was unable to save the club from relegation to League Two.
"I leave Torquay with a heavy heart after four fantastic years, which included three cup finals and reinstating their place back in the Football League," Buckle told the Bristol Rovers website. "The club now has a solid foundation both on and off the pitch which will serve them well in the coming seasons. I always wanted to leave Torquay on a high and I am blessed that I can do that.
"The chance to become Bristol Rovers manager was far too good an opportunity to turn down. I intend to do everything in my power to take Rovers back where they belong. After meeting [chairman] Nick [Higgs] and the Rovers board, I am in no doubt of the ambitions of the club and believe with everything in place this club has the potential to reach the Championship in the coming years. I will be installing a fresh mentality throughout the club by bringing in the high standards that I demanded at Torquay, which resulted in great success."
On the Torquay website, Buckle said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Torquay United fans for all their support. When I took over four years ago, everybody pulled together to try and get our club back into good working order. We managed to do that and get back in the Football League and the last four years has been an incredible journey, and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
"There have been so many more highs than lows and I would like to wish everybody at the club all the very best for the coming season. The club is in a good state with a good squad. I am very proud to have managed Torquay over the last four years and very proud of what we have achieved.
"I had some great years working with former chairman Alex Rowe and then Simon Baker. Without the support from the board, you can't achieve things as a manager. We have worked well together for four years. This was my first job as a manager and you always need support. They have been fantastic to me, as have the staff and people in the offices.
"I would also like to thank each and every player that has represented Torquay United during my time with the club. It has been an absolute pleasure to manage them and work for Torquay United. The club will always be close to my heart."