The appointment comes as no surprise, various media circles had been talking about the former Torquay United boss for some time, any potential deal being delayed by the Gulls shock run to the League 2 play off final, a game they eventually lost 1-0 to Stevenage. During press conferences in the build up to Torquay's three play-off games there was a steady stream of questions from the press as to whether Buckle would be leaving his post to join the Gas, whether his side were to win promotion or not, a move that was continually met with denial by the man himself.
But his four successful years at Torquay have now ended, not least on the high of guiding his charges to Old Trafford. "I leave Torquay with a heavy heart after four fantastic years, which included three Cup Finals and re-instating their place back in the Football League." Said Buckle, "The Club now has a sound infrastructure, both on and off the field, 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 opportunity to take over at Rovers proved to much of a temptation for the Hertfordshire born manager to resist. During his time with Torquay Buckle was forced to work on a shoestring budget, not least when they found their way back into the Football League, but he has still managed to work wonders with the Devon club, not only managing to sustain their place in the league but to push them onto bigger and better things, giving them a fantastic platform on which to build.
Rovers on the other hand will be able to give Buckle the chance to work with more cash floating around, 'a substantial six-figure sum' was how Will Hoskins transfer fee was described and no doubt some of it will be reinvested back into the side that the new boss will want to build. Hoskins was also on a hefty wage packet at Rovers and his, along with Jeff Hughes and potentially Chris Lines departures, will allow a certain amount of freedom in the transfer market. He will need to use his money wisely, though, it has not been stated publicly but all involved at the Memorial Stadium, fans and club officials alike, will be expecting the Gas to fight for an immediate promotion back to League 1, though it seems that Buckle understands this and is similarly ambitious.
"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 to where they belong.
"After meeting with Nick and the Rovers Board I'm 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."
For too many years now the Rovers faithful have had to put up with bland and overall below par defensive football, Paul Trollope becoming ever more cautious during his reign before Dave Penney came in and seemed to do all within his power to create a morose long ball team full of mercenaries. By that point it looked all over, Campbell came in, seemingly taking his tactics straight from the Paul Trollope school of management, and though there was a glimmer of hope it eventually faded out into relegation with a game to play, barring a mathematical miracle.
But over the hill and into the coming season Buckle will bring with him a new set of ideas, attacking ideas, his starting line up for the first leg of Torquay's play-off semi contained no less than four strikers and throughout the season the Gulls managed a positive goal difference of 21, a full 55 goals better off than Rovers abhorrent -34 in the division above.
"I will be installing a fresh mentality throughout the Club that reflects me, by bringing in the high standards that I demanded at Torquay, which resulted in great success."
That was Buckle's claim on Rovers official website this morning and it is no doubt what is required. Part of which will be about getting some of the disenfranchised fanbase back onside, although even at this early stage the mood has lifted among Gashead internet users, many fans cooing over the appointment. Now, however, the next steps must be taken, building a squad capable of promotion. It has been stated that Buckle will now take a break to give himself time to collect his thoughts and take some personal time out, but over the next few weeks Rovers chairman Nick Higgs has come out and said that the club will be looking to work on bringing in a list of targets that have already been identified by the new manager, while also talking about 'the rebuilding process' that will occur in pre-season.
There were rumours abound of attitude problems in the squad over the past season that disrupted the dressing room but with the new shake up in terms of the playing staff this will hopefully be evaporated, part of the 'high standards' Buckle demands, a professional attitude and dedication both on and off the pitch.
Indeed, the first step has been taken, Shaun North following Buckle from Devon to Bristol, taking up the role of assistant manager. An experienced coach North has worked with Buckle for the past few seasons and has a great deal of experience in the game having taken up various roles at Portsmouth and Oxford, a period during which he worked with Rovers current youth team manager Darren Patterson who he will no doubt be rendezvousing with on a regular basis to develop the next generation of talent.
The length of the duo's contracts are shrouded in mystery, no word coming from the club as of yet on the deals. There will be a small compensation fee paid from Rovers to Torquay however, as Buckle's contract with the Gulls set to run until November this year.
Rovers odds have already been shortened from 16/1 to 5/2 with the news of the new gaffer and fans will remain interested spectators as to how these continue to fluctuate in the time leading up to August 6th, when the new Football League season will begin, Buckle at the helm, in the quest to regain League 1 status.
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