John Buckley

Who is John Buckley?

John William Buckley is a Scottish football coach and former player, who was manager of English FA WSL club Doncaster Rovers Belles from 2003 until 2013.

Buckley made over 350 league appearances as a winger in a playing career that began with Celtic, where he made his professional debut. He later played for clubs including Partick Thistle, Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United before ending his playing career with Rotherham United. A serious head injury suffered in March 1993 brought about Buckley's retirement from playing at the age of 31.

In June 2003 Buckley became manager of Doncaster Rovers Belles and under him the club qualified for the FA Women's Premier League Cup final in 2009. The club had won on the last day of the season in 2004–05 to avoid relegation. In September 2008 Buckley was in charge when the club came close to folding due to lack of finances. Despite operating with a limited budget Doncaster Rovers Belles were named as founder members of the FA WSL in 2010. He left by mutual consent in September 2013.