Inverness loyalty sways Butcher to snub Tykes

The Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager’s decision follows on from Sean O’Driscoll’s earlier rejection of an offer to become Reds chief, with club bosses now reviewing their options.

Managing director Don Rowing has revealed his disappointment following the latest rejection from Butcher, with caretaker-boss David Flitcroft now likely to stay in charge for Saturday’s vital White Rose derby against Leeds United.

He said: “We are obviously very disappointed. We put a lot of hard work into trying to recruit Terry. But unfortunately, he has decided to stay at Inverness and see the job through.

“We spent a lot of time with him and I am sure we convinced him Barnsley was the right club for him. When he went away, we were very confident he would say yes and that he would want to join us.

“I don’t think it was finances that dictated this decision. He has taken stock of where he is with Inverness and recruited a lot of players over the last four years and has an affinity with them and I feel he thinks he would probably let them down if he left.”

Ex-England captain Butcher, 54, was given permission to open talks with Barnsley on Monday and met with Reds officials the following day.

He held further talks yesterday morning prior to flying back to Inverness.

Despite being impressed by the passion and commitment of the Oakwell board and the facilities at the club – alongside the ‘tremendous package’ on offer – Butcher admits he could not bring himself to leave Caley.

The Highland outfit are currently second in the table and in the semi-finals of the League Cup, with Butcher – despite admitting to making one of the hardest decisions of his long career in football – deciding to follow his heart.

Butcher, who took over at Inverness in January 2009 and has 18 months on his deal still to run, said: “I was pleased that Caley Thistle gave me the opportunity to talk to Barnsley, who were excellent to deal with. But I have decided that my future lies at Inverness.

“I have also brought people to this club and, on reflection, feel that I should remain with them to try and continue the good work. My focus is now firmly on that.”

Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron added: “When Barnsley made their approach we felt that out of courtesy we should allow Terry the opportunity to meet with them.

“But it is a huge relief that he has opted to stay.”