Buckley Memories #2

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 26/08/2000

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.

The first game that popped in my head having read your intro was the 2-0 win against Hull City in the Rumbelows/Coca Cola/whatever Cup. After a miserable 1-0 defeat in the away leg it was back to Blundell Park for one of the best games I have ever seen. The ground was absolutely toppers and the atmosphere was electric. I can't remember who scored the first goal to take it into extra-time, but I'll never forget the second. 119th minute, right hand corner of the box, struck with the outside of the right boot, swerving into the top left hand corner of the net. Best goal Gary Childs ever scored!

What made it just that little bit more satisfying was that I was at Trinity House School in Hull at the time and got more than my fair share of abuse for supporting a lowly fourth division club. The cartoon picture of Gary Childs with his foot on a dead Tiger was pinned on every noticeboard in the school that week. Nice.

Migs Magill (Portsmouth Exile)

The play off semi against Fulham at Blundell Park. I've never experienced an atmosphere like it, and it was a better feeling than being at Wembley. You could cut the atmosphere with a blunt knife, as we were poised to make our second Wembley appearance in a year. Thanks Alan, you were the greatest.

John Jasper

Although I have to agree that the two Wembley games were fantastic, the play off game against Fulham at BP was another highlight my very favourite moment over the past years has to be when Ivano scored against West Brom when Buckley was there, nothing can beat that euphoria.

Jay

Although I was glad to see Alan leave,i will never forget what he did for the club. My best and most memorable match was the first visit to Wembley and in particular Wayne Burnetts Golden Goal. In my live Ive had some good times and some bad times but the most emotional time of my life was that Goal and for that Alan I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Good luck in the future.

Robert Penketh

My favourite time under AB was from 1990-1994 we used to have some great games and we had a great side. One of my best memories is of a midweek match at Millmoor (Rotherham) we took about 4 thousand that night and absolutely murdered em 4-1 (Clive scored for them) but I also went to the Newcastle 1-0 and that was great too as it was so unexpected.

Bruce Fenwick

Even though he has had a rough time of late he will be remembered hopefully for the better times he brought to Blundell Park. One such occasion would surely be the 5-1 drubbing of West Brom a couple of years ago. Absolutely overwhelmed the Baggies! Nice to see them doing so well this year as well!!!

But i don't think we will ever top the first Wembley visit and we have two people to thank for that. Firstly Wayne Burnett for his superb goal, Secondly the man who took us there... please step forward Mr Alan Buckley

Lee Hutchinson

The first season of his second spell. Town played some great passing football in the 97-98 season with a great midfield with Burnetts passing and Donovans pace and the defence with Handyside showing how good he really can be. Up front we weren't exactly blessed with talent but everyone scored their fair share of goal. It's almost unthinkable now that Donovan got 21 goals! Two victorious trips to Wembley and the cup runs just capped it all off. Sadly it all went a bit stale after that!

John

The memories continue in Part Three

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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