Paul Baker: Cheltenham Town chairman 'won't rush' appointment

Paul Baker has described the appointment of Paul Buckle in November as "a big mistake"

Cheltenham Town chairman Paul Baker has said that appointing Paul Buckle was a "bad decision" and the club will take their time in choosing his replacement.

Buckle parted company with the club on Friday after just 79 days in charge.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire after Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Bury, Baker said: "You can't fault what the management team have done today.

"If Russell (Milton) and Steve (Elliott) are in charge at Accrington on Friday, I'll be quite comfortable."

Baker revealed that former Cheltenham manager John Ward, former caretaker-manager John Schofield and former player Grant McCann have all been in touch to discuss the vacancy.

"With those three, you couldn't have three different characters. So perhaps it is a combination of those two or three," Baker added. "We have been inundated with enquiries.

"There are some good names in there and lots of people who have a previous association with Cheltenham Town, which is interesting.

"We've got great coaches and great facilities here. We don't need to rush.

"There's no question that we made a big mistake with the last appointment.

"Chairmen and directors will get these decision right and wrong, and it was a bad decision. The board are going to meet again on Monday.

"We need to make sure this next appointment becomes part of the ethos of what Cheltenham Town is all about.

"If you look at the very bad appointments, Martin Allen, Paul Buckle and one or two others, they've had no affiliation with this football club."

Buckle, 43, took over from Mark Yates in November and took charge of just 13 games at the League Two club.

Speaking after Saturday's game, caretaker boss Russell Milton said: "I'd love the job.

"For me personally it's the way forward. I think I'm ready for it."

Baker did not rule out appointing Milton on a permanent basis, adding: "Let's just see how the week pans out. They (Milton and assistant Steve Elliott) have done well.

"They came in in difficult circumstances, they've steadied the ship, they've got a good feeling in the camp now and they've got the crowd behind them."