Emotional Andy Butler on his return to fore with Doncaster Rovers

It is easy to take a straight-up, no-nonsense character such as Andy Butler seriously with such a proclamation.

But after his star turn on his first league start for Doncaster Rovers in 18 months, there was a welcome amount of emotion in his voice as he reflected on his performance, and the long journey back.

Dare we even say that a lump appeared in his throat on a couple of occasions.

That one performance against Northampton Town and what his selection in the team indicated to Butler meant plenty.

The 37-year-old departed the club last May without the send-off he deserved after five years of consistent, committed service. The contract offered by then-boss Grant McCann was hardly an invitation to stay put.

An ill-fated spell back with former club Scunthorpe United followed but even that could not dampen his desire to continue as a player, alongside his role as boss of the Belles.

He earned a contract at Rovers after impressing during a trial in the summer. And while he has not played as regularly as he might have hoped, his return has put the smile back on his face.

“When you don’t have a smile on your face it’s awful,” he told the Free Press.

“Even then, we came in the changing rooms, the gaffer, he says he doesn't single people out but he did single me out and the lads all gave me a clap.

“Even at 37, you get a bit emotional.

“It brought a bit of ‘wow, this is really a team.’

“There’s no individuals, no big time individuals but just a team that wants to encourage each other.

“I’ve got young Matt Smith coming up to me and saying ‘you’re a head on a stick.’ I have been all my career!

“As long as my influence is encouraging around them, I don’t mind what I do.”

That encouragement of others is a big part of Butler’s life now. Whether that be in improving the Belles or helping the youthful Rovers squad he finds himself a part of.

It peaked with his fortnight spell in charge of the team after the senior coaching staff were forced into self-isolation due to contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19.

And he says the character of the squad made it easier to step into the leadership role, either in the dugout or on the pitch.

He said: “It’s credit to the players, even when I took over for those couple of games.

“The team that the gaffer [Darren Moore], Sivvy [Jamie Smith], Adam Henshall and Gez [Paul Gerrard] have brought together, they manage themselves. It’s easy to step into.

“We’ve got a team that works hard. When you haven’t got that, it’s difficult.

“I’m learning of Joe, Tom, Cameron, Reece, Brad, all the back four and hopefully I can pass on my knowledge to the younger lads like Ben Blythe and Branden Horton, even Tom and Joe.

“It’s all geared to helping each other.

“It’s not hard to come into a team with this quality, players like Ben Whiteman, Copps. It’s enjoyable.

“Last year wasn’t enjoyable for me. This year has been. It puts a smile on your face, being back in Rovers colours.”

*

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.