Andy Butler knows reputation is at stake as temporary Doncaster Rovers boss stint continues

The 37-year-old is leading Rovers in the absence of manager Darren Moore and senior coaches Jamie Smith and Paul Gerrard who are all self-isolating after coming into contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19.

Butler took charge of Saturday’s win over FC United of Manchester in the FA Cup and will be at the helm for tonight’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

While Moore has selected the team for both matches, Butler is aware that any slip ups will reflect negatively on him at an early stage in his coaching life.

“Essentially it all falls down on you,” Butler told the Free Press.

“If we were to have lost at FC United people would have looked and said they’re not good enough.

“I said it to the players that their performance reflects on me. I’m there to motivate them and get them ready. They’re representing me on the pitch

“It was the gaffer’s side but if it didn’t go well it would have reflected on me.”

The Belles boss says tonight’s game holds no greater significance for him than any other - he wants to win each and every game he is a part of.

“Whatever it is, if it’s a game of tiddlywinks, I’d want to win that,” he said.

“That’s the mentality we’ve got as a club. Every game we go into, we expect Doncaster Rovers to win.

“It’s not arrogant, it's just a mentality we want to build in the club.

“I try to drill it into the Belles too, even if it’s a five-a-side game, win it. Become the winner.

“Surround yourself with positive people and you usually get the right outcome. You get that extra percentage from each other.”

Butler himself could play in tonight’s game, having confirmed he would have likely been named in the starting XI under normal circumstances.

But his initial focus in on getting the team ready to face Wolves.

He said: “You get that little buzz about results.

“Myself and Nick [Buxton, assistant] couldn't sleep before games with the Belles and it shows how into it we are.

“Even more so now for the first team.”

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