Lincoln City have today announced their first summer signing as former Notts County midfielder Richard Butcher. Butcher, who was released from Meadow Lane at the end of last season, has signed a 2 year-deal with the Imps, having rejected moves to Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town.
A goalscoring midfielder, Butcher was Notts' top scorer in his first season with twelve league goals, and a further six in his second year at Meadow Lane, despite missing three months with a broken foot. However, his performances steadily declined in his two years at Meadow Lane, and after returning from injury in February he was consistently one of the poorest players in the side, and it came as no surprise when he was released last month by McParland.
However, his successful first spell at Lincoln means he still has a good reputation at this level, despite indifferent spells since at Oldham, Peterborough and Notts, and three of League Two's bigger boys were interested in his services. It seems the fact that Butcher still lives in Lincoln, and obviously feels an affinity towards the club, has swayed his decision. Imps boss Peter Jackson has earmarked Butcher as a replacement for goalscoring midfielder Lee Frecklington, who joined Peterborough United for £150,000 recently.
A goalscoring midfielder, Butcher was Notts' top scorer in his first season with twelve league goals, and a further six in his second year at Meadow Lane, despite missing three months with a broken foot. However, his performances steadily declined in his two years at Meadow Lane, and after returning from injury in February he was consistently one of the poorest players in the side, and it came as no surprise when he was released last month by McParland.
However, his successful first spell at Lincoln means he still has a good reputation at this level, despite indifferent spells since at Oldham, Peterborough and Notts, and three of League Two's bigger boys were interested in his services. It seems the fact that Butcher still lives in Lincoln, and obviously feels an affinity towards the club, has swayed his decision. Imps boss Peter Jackson has earmarked Butcher as a replacement for goalscoring midfielder Lee Frecklington, who joined Peterborough United for £150,000 recently.
For the latest transfer news, keep it NCM...