Thomas_Butler_(footballer)

Thomas Butler (footballer, born 1981)

Thomas Butler (footballer, born 1981)

Irish footballer

For other people named Thomas Butler, see Thomas Butler (disambiguation).

Thomas Anthony Butler (born 25 April 1981) is a former professional footballer who last played for Swansea City in the Premier League. He has played for the Republic of Ireland at under-21 and senior level.

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Club career

Sunderland

Butler started his career at Sunderland, and as a youngster forged himself a reputation as one of the Republic of Ireland's brightest stars and he gained acclaim when he was named the Republic of Ireland's Under-15 Player of the Year in 1997. By the time he was 18, he had travelled to South Africa to play in the 1999 World Youth Cup for his country.[2] Butler was then signed to a professional contract by Peter Reid for Sunderland.

Shortly thereafter, Butler made his debut during Sunderland's 3–2 win over Walsall during the 1999–2000 season after coming on as a substitute. Butler was on the verge of breaking into the first team and was successful for the reserves. This earned him a chance to make his first league appearance after once again coming on as a substitute against West Ham. He would soon earn praise, being considered by some as the Irish version of Joe Cole.[3]

However, the following season saw Butler struggling to make an impact and he was loaned to Darlington to gain match practice.[4] His loan spell with Darlington would be extended for another month.[5] He made ten appearances for Darlington, but despite his popularity among the fans his loan move was not extended and Butler returned to Sunderland.[6] The following seasons saw Butler make just 17 starts and 12 substitute appearances. In a match against Charlton Athletic on 27 April 2002, Butler helped the club make a comeback just after Charlton scored, when he provided assist for Kevin Kilbane, which both side drew 2–2.[7] At the end of the 2001–02 season, Butler's future was in doubt upon the expiry of his contract.[8] However, on 1 August 2002, Butler signed a contract to keep him at Sunderland for three more years, until 2005.[9]

Despite the lack of games, Butler was called up the Republic of Ireland team by Mick McCarthy and made his senior international debut in the 3–0 win against Finland in August 2002.[10] Following the retirement of Kevin Kilbane, Hartlepool Mail believed that Butler could be expected to become a first team regular.[11] During his last season at the club, Butler's season was disrupted by a knee injury he sustained in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United.[12] His injury would keep him out for a long time following an operation.[13]

Butler left Sunderland for unspecified personal reasons, returning to Ireland and stating his intention to leave professional football.[11][14] While Sunderland were initially sympathetic to his situation, he eventually threatened them with legal action for breach of contract.[15] On 2 July 2005, the dispute between Butler and the club were later settled just before the tribunal could happen.[16]

Dunfermline Athletic and Hartlepool United

Having reconsidered his future, Butler joined Dunfermline on trial, subsequently signing and making eight starts and six substitute appearances.[17] However, he wasn't offered an extended contract and was forced to look elsewhere.[18]

In 2005, Butler then joined Hartlepool United on a short-term contract.[19] He made his debut against Blackpool. Butler made an impressive start to his Hartlepool career and scored his first professional goal in the 3–0 win against Swindon.[20] Butler then signed permanently for Hartlepool for 2005–06 season despite interests from two clubs.[21][22] In his first full season at Hartlepool United, Butler scored his first goal of the season when he "raced past two challenges to fire a shot which goalkeeper Mark Goodlad could only help into the net", as Harlepool United beat Port Vale 2–1 on 29 October 2005[23] Though he made twenty-eight appearances, the club were relegated to League Two after finishing twenty-first place. He was linked with a move to Bradford City, a claim that was denied by Colin Todd.[24]

Swansea City

July 2006 saw Butler signed for Swansea City following Hartlepool's relegation for an undisclosed fee.[25]

Butler made his debut for the club, in the opening game of the season, as Swansea City would lose Cheltenham Town 2–1.[26] He scored his first goal, which Swansea City scored two goals in the last minutes, as they beat Port Vale on 18 November 2006.[27] He then scored twice and won a penalty in Swansea's 3–0 win over Premiership side Sheffield United in the 2006–07 FA Cup third round tie at Bramall Lane.[28] In his first season, Butler made thirty-two appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions.

He started the 2007–08 season when he scored a brace, as Swansea City would beat Leyton Orient 5–0 on 6 October 2007.[29] Butler would score four goals against Southend United on 16 December 2007,[30] Swindon Town on 1 January 2008,[31] Crewe[32] and Luton Town.[33] At the end of the 2007–08 season, Butler signed a long-term contract.[34]

In 2008–09 season, Butler made thirty-two appearances in all competitions and scoring once against Southampton, as well as providing assist, which Swansea City won 3–0 on 25 October 2008.[35] His 2008–09 season was disrupted with a hamstring injury[36] and despite not playing in the South Wales derby on 5 April 2009, Butler was sent-off after the final whistle when he was arguing with the official over the penalty decision to Cardiff City, allowing them to equalise.[37] After this, Butler was suspended for three match.[38]

Then in the 2009–10 season, Butler missed the first seven matches, due to a hernia injury[39] and made his return in mid-September 2009.[40] Butler scored his first goal of the season, as Swansea City beat Sheffield United on 26 September 2009.[41] At the end of the 2009–10 season, Butler signed a one-year contract with the club after they decided to trigger his extension.[42] Butler would make twenty-five appearances and score once.

However, in 2010–11, under manager Brendan Rodgers, Butler had yet to make an appearance under him and after an operation, Butler would be out for a long time until 2011 with a thigh injury.[43] During the season, Butler had to go rehabilitation and even went to the specialist to sort out his injuries.[44]

In January 2012, Rodgers offered Butler (along with David Cotterill and Andrea Orlandi) to join Dutch side ADO Den Haag on loan as their first team is limited.[45] Swansea City announced on 20 January 2012 that Butler has been released from his contract by mutual consent, he signed a one-year contract in August 2011, but never made an appearance for Swansea in the Premier League.[46][47]

Alnwick Town

In December 2015, Butler signed for Northern League Division Two side Alnwick Town, agreeing to sign for new manager and Newcastle United Women's colleague Adam Laidlaw. Butler made his debut for the club in a 4–1 defeat to league leaders South Shields at Mariners Park, coming up against former Sunderland team-mate Julio Arca in the game.

Post Playing career

After spending seven months searching for the club since being released, Butler call the end of his career, citing his persistent thigh injury.[48] Butler took over as manager of FA Women's Premier League side Newcastle United Women in the summer of 2015.

Honours

Sunderland

Swansea City

References

  1. [1]
    Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2008). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-324-8.
  2. [2]
    "IRISH PAIR STAR IN AFRICA". Sunderland Echo. 4 February 1999. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  3. [3]
    "Butler can be the next Joe Cole". Hartlepool Mail. 27 February 2001. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  4. [4]
    "SUNDERLAND REJECT WAINWRIGHT BID". Sky Sports. October 2000. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  5. [5]
    "Butler stays another month". The Northern Echo. 10 November 2010. Archived from the original on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  6. [6]
    "Football: Butler's return rocks Quakers". The Northern Echo. 15 December 2000. Archived from the original on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  7. [7]
    "HIGHS AND A LOW". Sunderland Echo. 9 May 2002. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  8. [8]
    "Black Cats Butler Hope". Sunderland Echo. 4 July 2002. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  9. [9]
    "New injury blow for Phillips". BBC Sport. 1 August 2002. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  10. [10]
    "McCarthy calls up Butler". BBC Sport. 19 August 2002. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  11. [11]
    "Cats dispense with services of Butler". Hartlepool Mail. 28 July 2004. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  12. [12]
    "BUTLER SWEATS ON OP VERDICT". Sunderland Echo. 1 November 2003. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  13. [13]
    "BUTLER OUT UNTIL CHRISTMAS". Sunderland Echo. 6 November 2003. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  14. [14]
    "Swansea hero Butler on the rise". BBC Sport. 7 January 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  15. [15]
    "Butler slates fans". Sunderland Echo. 22 October 2004. Archived from the original on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  16. [16]
    "Butler settles SAFC dispute". Sunderland Echo. 2 July 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  17. [17]
    "Pars take Butler gamble". BBC Sport. 10 September 2004. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  18. [18]
    "Butler and Bradley leaving Pars". BBC Sport. 6 January 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  19. [19]
    "Double take". Hartlepool Mail. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  20. [20]
    "Hartlepool United 3–0 Swindon Town". BBC Sport. 2 April 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  21. [21]
    "Season starts here". Hartlepool Mail. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  22. [22]
    "Race hots up to hire Butler". Hartlepool Mail. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  23. [23]
    "Port Vale 1–2 Hartlepool United". BBC Sport. 29 October 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  24. [24]
    "Bantams boss rejects Butler talk". BBC Sport. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  25. [25]
    "Swans sign Butler from Hartlepool". BBC Sport. 28 July 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  26. [26]
    "Swansea City 1–2 Cheltenham Town". BBC Sport. 8 August 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  27. [27]
    "Port Vale 0–2 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 18 November 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  28. [28]
    "FA Cup Third Round Sheffield United 0–3 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 6 January 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  29. [29]
    "Leyton Orient 0–5 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 6 October 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  30. [30]
    "Swansea City 3–0 Southend United". BBC Sport. 16 November 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  31. [31]
    "Swindon Town 1–1 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  32. [32]
    "Swansea City 2–1 Crewe". BBC Sport. 22 January 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  33. [33]
    "Swansea City extend advantage". Sky Sports. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  34. [34]
    "Butler sticks with Swans". Sky Sports. 10 May 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  35. [35]
    "Swansea City 3–0 Southampton". BBC Sport. 25 October 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  36. [36]
    "Butler blow adds to concerns for Swans boss". Wles Online. 30 October 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  37. [37]
    "Cardiff City 2–2 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 5 April 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  38. [38]
    "Swansea's Tom Butler sent off after final whistle". Wales Online. 5 April 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  39. [39]
    "Rangel set to start for Swans". Wales Online. 6 August 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  40. [40]
    "Returning Butler hands Swans boss Sousa food for thought". Wales Online. 21 September 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  41. [41]
    "Blades cut to size by sharp Swans". Wales Online. 26 September 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  42. [42]
    "Butler earns new Swansea City deal". Sky Sports. 24 April 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  43. [43]
    "Long lay-off for Butler". Sky Sports. 8 September 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  44. [44]
    "Tom Butler ready to put Swansea injury nightmare behind him". Wales Online. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  45. [45]
    "Swansea offer trio on loan to Den Haag". 2 January 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  46. [46]
    "Tom Butler handed one-year Swansea City extension". BBC Sport. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  47. [47]
    "Swans agree to release duo". Sky Sports. 20 January 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  48. [48]
    "Former Swansea City star Tom Butler forced to call time on career". South Wales Evening Post. 14 July 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
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