Buckle named Cheltenham boss

The 43-year-old takes over at Whaddon Road from Mark Yates, who was sacked on Tuesday morning after a run of four successive defeats left them 18th in Sky Bet League Two.

Buckle returns to management for the first time since leaving Luton in February 2013. He led the Hatters to the play-off final in May 2012 where they lost 2-1 to York at Wembley.

Buckle, who leaves his role as a technical director in the United States, revealed he had offers to stay in America but could not turn down the chance to take over at Whaddon Road.

He was offered the role by Robins chairman Paul Baker on Tuesday afternoon and was on the next flight back to the UK in a bid to hit the ground running before Saturday's League Two clash with Oxford.

And after catching his breath following his transatlantic jaunt Buckle revealed he was not short of offers to stay stateside.

"It has been a whirlwind 24 hours, that's for sure," he said.

"I am absolutely delighted to be here. Things move very quickly in football but that was pushing it. I just stepped off the plane but I am absolutely thrilled to be here.

"I had other offers in the States and I made my mind up I was going to go back into management. But after speaking with Paul (chairman Paul Baker) and hearing his thoughts on the club this moved right to the top of the list.

"I knew in my gut that this was right. I have always enjoyed coming to this club with teams. It is a family club and goes hand-in-hand with everything I stand for.

"I've used the time wisely and had a good rest. I'm ready to go."

Buckle will meet his new squad on Wednesday afternoon but revealed that he will not be dipping into the loan window before it closes on Thursday.

"I mentioned it with the chairman and a couple of the staff but I think I need to give the players a chance here," he explained.

"There is a lot to do in the next few hours but the boys will have a chance to impress me."

Chairman Baker explained he has long been an admirer of the 43-year-old.

"I've known Paul for quite a few years, since the days he was managing with Torquay and we admired the way in which Torquay played," he explained.

"They were one of the best footballing sides around at the time.

"They got into the play-offs in League Two having just been promoted from the Conference and the style of football was great.

"I have met Paul informally on a number of occasions and we've always got on well.

"When you look at his track record with play-offs, the FA Cup run at Luton and the signings he has made at different clubs, there are so many positives on his CV which made him the perfect fit for us."