Doncaster Rovers reaping benefits from playing return of Andy Butler

Having announced his temporary retirement from playing after taking over the managerial reins at the Keepmoat Stadium when predecessor Darren Moore departed for Sheffield Wednesday, the 37-year-old has started at centre-half in each of the club’s last four League One fixtures.

His return to the side coincided with a 2-0 win at Shrewsbury – Rovers’ first victory in 10 attempts – and Butler is satisfied with the impact he has made.

Asked if he felt that he had made the right decision in putting his boots back on, he replied: “Yeah, I still love playing, I still feel like I have got something to offer to the team.

“I don’t think that anyone has really opened us up since I’ve been back in the side, we’ve conceded two penalties and then even the goals the other day [in the 2-2 draw at Peterborough] were from mistakes.

“So, I’m happy with my performances and more importantly I’m happy with the team’s overall energy level being ramped up a little bit. It just seemed a bit flat and maybe a change was needed in the team.”

Although happy with both his own contribution and what he perceives as an improvement in Rovers’ overall performance levels of late, Butler admits that he took the decision to pick himself somewhat reluctantly.

“I didn’t want to have to play myself,” he added.

“I wanted to give [management] my 100 per cent attention but I just felt that it was the right time to make a change.

“Like I say, I still feel that I’ve got something to give. I’m not just playing myself for myself, I’m playing myself for the team and that’s hopefully what people can see, that I’m doing everything I possibly can as a manager and as a player to get results.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.