Buckley: Win over Donny best feeling ever

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Former Albion man reflects on his brilliant debut a decade on.

Luke Nicoli

2021-08-06T05:00:00Z

Will Buckley had the perfect start to life with Albion, playing a major role in their win over Doncaster.

While there was plenty of raw emotion as the stadium opened its doors for the first time for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur, for a pre-season friendly in July 2011, that feeling continued to emanate around our new home for the opening competitive game against Doncaster Rovers.

There was a degree of symmetry around the fixture, with Rovers being the final opponents as we said goodbye to the Goldstone Ground in 1997, but the football club that returned to the Championship was unrecognisable to the one that had pretty much hit rock bottom back in those dark old days.

Indeed, Albion had broken a club transfer record to sign winger Will Buckley that June from Watford, the 22-year-old having been named the Hornets’ Young Player of the Year in 2010/11. As the game drew ever nearer, he felt a sense of anticipation that was unlike anything he’d ever experienced before.

“There was real excitement around the city, especially in the week leading up to the game,” recalls Buckley. “There was a carnival atmosphere on the day itself, and you could feel it as players, but it was important for us to stay focused. I just remember we came out of the tunnel to this wall of noise and all the blue and white flags waving. It was incredible.”

Following the fanfare came the football, and from the opening exchanges it was clear that Rovers had come to spoil the party. Ashley Barnes missed an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 36th minute and it proved to be costly as moments later, Billy Sharp’s effort hit the inside of the post before trickling over the line.

“It felt like one of those games where nothing was going to go for us,” added Buckley, who started on the bench. “I remember Ash going close, a penalty appeal turned down, even their goal had a great deal of fortune about it.

The Albion supporters watched on as Albion secured a first competitive win at the Amex.

“I was disappointed not to be out there, trying to affect the game but was hopeful I’d get my chance the longer the score remained the same.”

Rovers were looking to maintain the status quo but were dealt a serious blow soon after the restart when talisman Sharp was stretchered off following a robust challenge from a young Lewis Dunk.

The lengthy delay ensured the game would later run deep into injury-time but, more immediately, the injury clearly upset the visitors’ rhythm. Albion got back on top and with the backing of a vociferous crowd, Buckley made his entrance with 15 minutes remaining.

“I wasn’t nervous, just itching to get out there. The gaffer just told me to go and make an impact. Get on there and make things happen to change the game.”

With the Rovers rearguard now flagging somewhat, given the atmosphere and pressure they were being put under, Buckley soon stretched their defence and with 83 minutes on the clock, the Amex witnessed its first competitive Albion goal.

“Doncaster failed to clear a deep free-kick and it’s eventually fallen to me on the edge of the box,” Buckley recalls.

Will Buckley is mobbed after firing in the winner against Doncaster.

“I’ve hit on the half-volley and it was one of those which felt so good. I’ve caught it right on the sweet spot and it’s flown in.

“Then there was an incredible adrenaline rush as the stadium erupted. It provided us with the lift we needed. Everyone was like, ‘Come on, let’s go and get the winner!’”

With the bulk of the 20,219 crowd sent into raptures, Rovers were rattled and when the fourth official signalled eight minutes of injury time, the home fans sent a soundwave around the stadium’s acoustics that had never been heard before. And then the fairytale happened.

With 97 minutes on the clock, Craig Noone has shown quick feet before sending a delightful ball forward which cut the Rovers’ defence in half. Buckley was the grateful recipient and he opened up his right foot to curl a delightful effort past goalkeeper Gary Woods.

“Everything kind of went in slow motion, everything. It didn’t feel real – and then when the ball hit the back of the net, the place erupted again. It was one of those moments that will live with me forever.

“I just remember running off towards the corner and the players jumping on me. It was just the best feeling ever. The scenes at the end were just incredible!”

*This is an abridged version of an interview with Will which will be appearing in the opening programme of the season against Watford. To purchase your programmes online, please click here.