Buckley Memories #4

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 09/09/2000

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 have many happy memories of the Buckley reigns as manager.

The cup game at Wimbledon, my wife went into labour that day, still went to the match though.

The play off semi at Craven Cottage, beating Fulham over two legs was all the sweeter, as it made up for the shoeing received from so called Fulham fans at Wimbledon Station after the game.

I remember how many stairs there were, to reach my seat at Wembley on both occasions. Above all I will remember how we thrashed the likes of Gillingham, and going home happy after the matches more often than not. Alan Buckley restored the clubs fortunes more than once.

I also remember that Lennie Lawrence once said that a Town gets the football team that it deserves. Well we deserve to be in the 3rd Division, and properly would have been in an even worse state if not for AB. All the best to him.

Simon Pearce (South London Exile)

I've just read parts 1-3 and am pleased that so many people are writing such nice things about Buckley. It has amazed me recently at the attacks on someone who has done so much for everyone who has supported Town. I hope somehow he gets to read some of this praise. For me the Fulham play offs and the Wembley matches were wonderful but the beginning of the dream that season was the away win at Burnley in the semi final. The atmosphere was fantastic, especially after the second goal. I spent the last ten minutes and the half hour after on the phone to my dad so he could hear the singing and enjoy it himself. Then at Wembley I saw tears in his eyes for the first and second time. First when the players walked out and then when Burnett scored. Don't anyone make any mistake. we owe it all, everything to Buckley's talent. He deserved more support at the end when things had gone wrong. Good luck to him in the future and if you ever get to read it Alan, please know that we will always be greatful for the magical moments that you brought to us

Alan Nocker

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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