Hartford Athletic announced today that Paul Buckle will join the Club as Technical Advisor to Chairman & CEO Bruce Mandell.

Buckle comes to Hartford by way of Southampton FC of the Premier League. Prior to Southampton FC, Buckle served as Head Coach & Technical Director of Sacramento Republic FC for three seasons making the playoffs each year and finishing first in the Western Conference in his first full season at the helm in 2016. In his role in Hartford, Buckle will focus on soccer-related matters in partnership with the Front Office and coaching staff.

“We are thrilled to have Paul join Hartford Athletic,” said Bruce Mandell, Chairman & CEO of Hartford Athletic. “Hartford Athletic is committed to excellence on and off the field, and Paul provides another resource for our Front Office and coaching staff as we continue to develop as an organization.”

“Paul has great experience in the USL and in England, and I am excited to work together as we continue to build our club,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “We had several battles over the years coaching against each other in the USL, and I look forward to now teaming up to deliver a top-class club in Hartford.”

“It is easy to see why Hartford is such a special city and such a special opportunity," said Buckle. "With a great new stadium about to come to life, a talented staff, and an avid supporters culture that continues to grow by the match, Hartford Athletic is poised to become one of the top organizations in the USL Championship. I cannot wait to work with Bruce, Jimmy, and the whole team to help continue to build a club that competes at the highest level and makes the fans proud.”

Hailing from England, Buckle turned pro in 1989 with over 500 appearances over the course of his playing career. Following his playing career, Buckle managed four English Football League clubs before making the move to Sacramento Republic FC as Head Coach & Technical Director of the USL Championship side for three seasons. Most recently, Buckle served as coach for the Southampton FC U23s and holds the UEFA Pro Coaching License and U.S. Pro Coaching License.