A very familiar face is currently on trial with Doncaster Rovers

Former club captain Andy Butler is back training with Doncaster Rovers as he looks to continue his playing career.
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The 36-year-old was released by Scunthorpe United this summer, one year after leaving Rovers when he was offered greatly reduced terms by previous manager Grant McCann.

And he has been working hard on his fitness since football was halted in March, determined to extend his playing career alongside his role as manager of Doncaster Rovers Belles.

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Butler was offered the chance to train with Rovers after the lifting of the initial restrictions which arose from social distancing guidelines.

Andy Butler on his last appearance for Rovers, in the 2019 League One semi-final second leg at Charlton AthleticAndy Butler on his last appearance for Rovers, in the 2019 League One semi-final second leg at Charlton Athletic
Andy Butler on his last appearance for Rovers, in the 2019 League One semi-final second leg at Charlton Athletic

The centre half came off the bench in the second half of Rovers’ friendly with Derby County on Saturday which finished goalless.

Boss Darren Moore is pondering whether to hand Butler a contract for the coming campaign.

Rovers are lacking experienced options to support first choice centre half pairing Tom Anderson and Joe Wright, with recent academy graduates Branden Horton and Ben Blythe providing the only alternatives in the current squad.

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Butler would also add significant experience to the squad with James Coppinger the only other player over the age of 28 in the group.

The veteran was one of five trialists involved for Rovers against Derby on Saturday.

The two remaining players from the original quartet of trialists both started the match, including former Kidderminster Harriers midfielder Ed Williams.

Moore opted against continuing trials for two players earlier in the week, and invited in a new wave of players to train with the club.

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