Belles return for Andy Butler after missing out on Doncaster Rovers job

Back on March 1, Butler took over the reins in an interim capacity for the remainder of the 2020-21 season following Darren Moore’s departure and was given the chance to earn the job on a full-time basis in the process.

Unfortunately, results have gone firmly against Butler and Rovers in a tough final third of the campaign, with the club winning just four out of 18 League One games under his watch and losing 12.

Doncaster-born Butler, 37, who was spoken to in an initial round of interviews, will now revert to his old role leading the Belles with Rovers poised to announce their next full-time manager in the next 10 days, with three successful candidates to go through final interviews later this week.

Baldwin said: “We all know how much this club and this town means to Andy and we are all saddened that his spell in charge didn’t end the way we would have liked, but his hard work and commitment to the role and to this club has never been questioned.

“I want to thank Andy for taking the reins in such challenging circumstances and thank Paul Gerrard, Alex Bailey, Rob Lee, John Chatfield and Mat Hawkhead for stepping up and taking on greater responsibilities in what was already a busy and difficult season.”

Butler, who has combined managing with playing commitments, commented: “It is been a huge honour to manage Rovers and while results did not go the way we wanted, I believe myself and my staff have given it 100 per cent. I am looking forward to using all the experiences I have gained over the past few months and using that as I return to manage the Belles.”

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