Hatters appoint Buckle as manager

LUTON Town have announced Paul Buckle will become their new manager on Sunday.

The 41-year-old former Bristol Rovers and Torquay United boss has signed a contract keeping him at Kenilworth Road until, at least, the summer of 2014 after impressing the Town board.

With seven games left this season, the new Hatters chief has been charged with winning Luton promotion, something he has experienced before, taking Torquay out of the Conference through the play-offs in 2009, ironically beating a Cambridge side, managed by the man he succeeds at Town, Gary Brabin.

Buckle came close to delivering League One football to the Gulls last season, losing the play-off final to Stevenage at Old Trafford, before moving to Bristol Rovers.

The ex-Brentford, Torquay and Colchester United midfielder left the Memorial Stadium in January this year though and will be at Braintree tomorrow in a watching brief, before taking charge when Hayes & Yeading visit Kenilworth Road on Monday.

Town’s managing director Gary Sweet said: “Everything has fallen into place perfectly. We believe Paul is the right man, at the right time for Luton Town.

“The amount of applications was staggering, the quality of candidates even more astounding. I’d like to go on record and thank everyone who took part in the process.

“Paul’s credentials and track record speaks for themselves. There are not many managers available that have promotion from the Conference on their CV but Paul is one of them.

“This an exciting time for everyone at a crucial point in our season, and all I ask is that our supporters get down to Kenilworth Road on Easter Monday to be a part of this new start for the club.”

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