Paul Buckle out as Republic FC head coach
Sacramento Republic FC and Paul Buckle have mutually agreed for him to step down as the club’s head coach and technical director, according to news release distributed Thursday morning.
Buckle compiled a 31-19-21 record in 2 1/2 seasons coaching Republic FC, reaching the playoffs each year and winning the 2016 Western Conference regular season championship. His departure was announced on the first day of Republic FC training camp for the 2018 season.
“On behalf of Republic FC, we are grateful for Paul’s contributions during his tenure at the club including successive playoff appearances and our 2016 Western Conference Regular Season title,” said Republic FC CEO and Chairman Kevin Nagle in the release. “His vast experience in youth development has served as a cornerstone for our Academy, the benefits of which we are already witnessing, and the call-up of several of our USL players to MLS clubs has also demonstrated his player development skills. We wish Paul and his family all the best.”
Paul Buckle has had many accomplishments with this club over his 2+ years - we’ll always be thankful to him for his contributions at a pivotal point in our org’s growth. His passion for developing players served us well and we wish him every success in the future. Thx u Paul!
— Ben Gumpert (@bgumpert) February 1, 2018
Buckle replaced former MLS star Preki, the club’s first head coach, in July 2015. His successor had not been named as of Thursday morning.
“I will forever be grateful to the club, and especially to (President) Warren (Smith) and Kevin, for the opportunity to coach our incredible players and to do so in front of our incredible fans,” Buckle said in the release. “I have great pride in what we accomplished together and have full confidence that the club is in great hands with its new leadership who will continue to carry Sacramento Republic FC forward for this community.”
Republic FC’s season begins Feb. 15 with a home exhibition match vs. Seattle Sounders FC, for whom Preki now coaches, followed by another home friendly Feb. 25 against MLS newcomers Los Angeles Football Club.
Benjy Egel: 916-321-1052, @BenjyEgel
This story was originally published February 1, 2018 at 8:06 AM with the headline "Paul Buckle out as Republic FC head coach."