Former boss Alan Buckley returns as Grimsby youth coach
Last updated on .From the section Football
Former Grimsby Town manager Alan Buckley is returning to the Blue Square Bet Premier club to help bring through the next generation of young Mariners.
The most successful manager in the club's history, Buckley will coach at Grimsby's School of Excellence.
He will also manage the club's newly-formed under-17 squad, while working with the club's existing youth coaches.
Buckley, 61, said: "I'm delighted to be back and involved with the terrific youth set-up that we have here."
During his time as manager Buckley guided Grimsby to threee promotions, and is one of very few managers to have overseen over 1,000 competitive matches.
He told the Grimsby Evening Telegraph: "I'm not here to tread on the toes of the coaches that are already here.
"I'm just here to do everything I can to help develop the club's young players.
"Over the years, we have produced lots and lots of young players, starting with John McDermott and Mark Lever through to players like Gary Croft."
He added: "At various stages in this club's history, we have always had cycles of young players coming through and that needs to continue.
"I know that there are a lot of rumours and doubt around the future of club's youth set-up.
"Hopefully me being involved shows that it is far from falling out of operation, it is actually growing and I'm here to help with that."
