Buckley Memories #1

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 28/08/2000

We've collected the thoughts and recollections of Town fans across the world's about their favourite memories of the Buckley era. Alan Buckley had two spells in charge of the Mariners before he was sensationally sacked on 22nd August 2000.

I stood at Wembley and watched us win the AWS Final.

That was the greatest moment in my 50 odd years in following the Mariners. To me Alan Buckley was the greatest and had created a special place in the history of the club and in the hearts of all Grimsby fans.

Nobody who was there will ever forget that scene as Burnett scored the winning goal. The tears of joy, the sore throats of the Grimsby fans, some who had never been to a football match, and the face of Buckley. Sheer ecstasy.

What has happened since then will never ever wipe out what Buckley achieved that day and for that alone I will always be grateful to him.

BillO

Memories of Buckley that stand out. Of course the 2 Wembley appearances, but really I have to say the whole of that season. To get relegated, and then bounce back by playing the other teams in the division off the park was extremely special. Good luck to Alan Buckley wherever he ends up, and UP THE MARINERS!

James Foulkes

I must admit the time for a change was about now. But Buckley will always stand as the No.1 manager for Grimsby for me. He brought us up from ever low in the late -80 and the first season he didn't improved the league place - was last year. That's pretty good when you think of the small squad that have been available. So if Buckley read this - your always welcomed to Norway for a chat over the indoor barbecue - I'll put on the 97/98 video.

Jostein Jensen

The FA Cup game at Wimbledon - Despite losing it was the game that got us nationwide coverage with Harry Haddock - I just wish I'd been there.

Cocky

Buckley has given Grimsby Town finer moments than some people really appreciate. Wembley (twice), playing in the first division.

I just feel that in the same way Bradford, Ispwich and Charlton should and will celebrate another season in the Premier League, so we should celebrate another season in the first division. We have no money, embarrassing gate receipts and very small squad.

I feel that we're lucky just to be playing in this league. I can't believe too many people remember life before Buckley.

Up the Mariners, good luck Alan, you'll do good somewhere else (and buy half our players).

Wally

Having lived in the U.S. for the last 5 years I had to rack my brains a bit for a game from Buckley's first stint as manager. One of several games that stand out is an F.A. Cup tie at Blundell Park against Wolves. There was a decent size crowd there to watch us beat them with a John Cockerill goal direct from his corner and we were able to go on to win 1-0. I don't remember what round or what year, maybe someone can help with that.

Ed Gilmore

The memories continue in Part Two

If you would like to add your favourite memories of the Buckley era just fill in the form at End of an Era and we'll add your thoughts to the those of the Town fans already present.

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