 The unfavourable economic climate meant Buckley could not sell his house in northern England, so he was granted a transfer to Scunthorpe United in August 1991.The fee of £40,000 represented a £5,000 loss on Partick's initial outlay.Buckley hit six goals in 28 League appearances as Scunthorpe made it to Wembley Stadium in the 1991–92 Fourth Division play–off final against Blackpool.