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League Two: Paul Buckle named Cheltenham Town boss

Image: Paul Buckle: New Cheltenham manager

Cheltenham have confirmed the appointment of Paul Buckle as their new manager on a 12-month rolling contract.

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 League Two.

The former former Torquay United and Bristol Rovers boss 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 told Sky Sports News HQ: "Everything has happened so fast, people say in football things happen so quickly but this is really pushing it to the limit. 

"I spoke to Cheltenham yesterday afternoon and once we agreed I felt it was right straight away, I jumped on a plane that night and have just got here now.

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Cheltenham have named Paul Buckle as their new manager

"I was living just outside New York but I have kept my hand in on all the levels so I feel well rested and fully prepared. 

"I haven't met the players yet but I have said hello to the staff - I will be in charge at the weekend against Oxford and will be leaning on the staff that are here because I will only be in charge for a couple of days

"It's a big game and an opportunity for us to bounce back and try and get back to winning ways. I enjoy games against Oxford, I have always had some really good games against them so I am really looking forward to it.

"I had a couple of offers in the States but this went right to the top of the list and I knew it was right, I had a good discussion with Paul Baker the chairman and I know the club. They have seen my clubs play against them and they know the brand of football I like my teams to play - it seems a really good fit. I can't wait to get started now."

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