Calum Butcher

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Calum Butcher

| image = Calum Butcher - July 2010 USA tour.jpg

| upright = 0.9

| caption = Butcher in 2010

| full_name = Calum James Butcher{{cite book| editor-first = Barry J.| editor-last = Hugman| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11| year = 2010| publisher = Mainstream Publishing| location = Edinburgh| isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0| page = 67 }}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1991|2|26}}

| birth_place = Rochford, England

| height = {{convert|1.85|m|order=flip}}{{Cite web |title=Calum Butcher |url=https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/team/first-team/calum-butcher |access-date=5 December 2020 |website=dundeeunitedfc.co.uk |publisher=Dundee United F.C. |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111061255/https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/team/first-team/calum-butcher |archive-date=11 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}

| position = Defender

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| youthyears1 =

| youthclubs1 = Ipswich Town

| youthyears2 =

| youthclubs2 = Southend United

| youthyears3 = 2007–2009

| youthclubs3 = Tottenham Hotspur

| years1 = 2009–2011

| clubs1 = Tottenham Hotspur

| caps1 = 0

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2009

| clubs2 = → Barnet (loan)

| caps2 = 3

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2011–2012

| clubs3 = Hjørring

| caps3 = 15

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2012–2013

| clubs4 = Hayes & Yeading United

| caps4 = 29

| goals4 = 1

| years5 = 2013–2015

| clubs5 = Dundee United

| caps5 = 21

| goals5 = 1

| years6 = 2015–2016

| clubs6 = Burton Albion

| caps6 = 40

| goals6 = 5

| years7 = 2016–2017

| clubs7 = Millwall

| caps7 = 30

| goals7 = 2

| years8 = 2017–2019

| clubs8 = Mansfield Town

| caps8 = 29

| goals8 = 1

| years9 = 2018

| clubs9 = → Billericay Town (loan)

| caps9 = 12

| goals9 = 0

| years10 = 2019–2022

| clubs10 = Dundee United

| caps10 = 67

| goals10 = 2

| years11 = 2022–2023

| clubs11 = Burton Albion

| caps11 = 11

| goals11 = 0

| years12 = 2023–2024

| clubs12 = Motherwell

| caps12 = 30

| goals12 = 0

| club-update = 12:41, 12 August 2024 (UTC)

}}

Calum James Butcher (born 26 February 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender, most recently for Motherwell.

Butcher began his career with Tottenham Hotspur, but didn't make any first team appearances, spending time on loan at Barnet. After leaving Tottenham in 2011, Butcher played for FC Hjørring in Denmark and English non-league club Hayes & Yeading United before joining Dundee United in Scotland in 2013. He then had spells with Burton Albion and Millwall before joining Mansfield in 2017. After time on loan at Billericay Town, and second spells with both Dundee United and Burton Albion, Butcher joined Motherwell in February 2023.

Early life

Butcher was born in Rochford, Essex and grew up in Leigh-on-Sea. He considered Steven Gerrard as his role model while growing up.{{cite news|title=Butcher wants to make most of chance to be Dundee United's Steven Gerrard|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/butcher-wants-to-make-most-of-chance-to-be-dundee-united-s-steven-gerrard-1.714891|publisher=The Courier|date=2 December 2014|accessdate=27 June 2015}} Despite starting his career at Tottenham Hotspur, Butcher grew up supporting Arsenal.{{cite news|title=Michael Owen killed my FA Cup dreams as a kid but I can still have my own trophy moment says Dundee United's Calum Butcher|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/michael-owen-killed-fa-cup-5118390|publisher=Daily Record|date=7 February 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015}}

Career

=Tottenham Hotspur=

Butcher joined Tottenham Hotspur in June 2007 after going through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town and Southend United.{{cite web |url=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/players/reserves/calumbutcher.html |title=Calum Butcher biography |publisher=Tottenham Hotspur F.C. |accessdate=5 December 2009 }} He was named as a substitute for Tottenham in their UEFA Cup 1–1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on 26 February 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_facts/0,19762,11065_3095437,00.html |title=Match facts: Tottenham v Shakhtar Donetsk |publisher=Sky Sports |date=26 February 2009 |accessdate=5 December 2009 }}

Butcher joined Barnet on loan in November 2009{{cite news|title=Bees make triple signing|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/5723143/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=26 November 2009|accessdate=3 July 2013}} and made his first team debut against Bournemouth in the 1–1 draw on 1 December.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8377369.stm |title=Barnet 1 – 1 Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2009 |accessdate=2 December 2009 }} After two months at Barnet, it was announced that the club had allowed Butcher to return to his parent club.{{cite news|title=Bees let loan duo go back|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/5831408/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=4 January 2010|accessdate=3 July 2013}} Butcher then went on trial at Exeter City{{cite news|title=Tisdale keen on Spurs link|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/6097959/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=16 April 2010|accessdate=3 July 2013}} and Southend United.{{cite news|title=Butcher handed Shrimpers trial|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6865833/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=11 April 2011|accessdate=3 July 2013}} At the end of the 2010–11 season, Butcher was released by Tottenham.{{cite news|title=Fra Tottenham FC til FC Hjørring|url=http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/fra-tottenham-fc-til-fc-hjoerring/4e59804e-28eb-43c1-b858-de3cf99b44c3/4/1513|publisher=Nordjyske.de|language=Danish|date=15 August 2011|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227164913/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/fra-tottenham-fc-til-fc-hjoerring/4e59804e-28eb-43c1-b858-de3cf99b44c3/4/1513|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}}

=Hjørring=

On 21 July 2011, Danish club FC Hjørring announced that Butcher had signed a one-year contract with the club.{{cite web |url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/FC-Hjoerring-henter-engelsk-forstaerkning |title=FC Hjørring henter engelsk forstærkning |publisher=bold.dk |date=21 July 2011 |accessdate=21 July 2011 }} He made his debut for the club, in the opening game of the season, a 4–0 loss against Viborg FF Butcher continued to be in the first team until he received a red card in the 77th minute after a second bookable offence, in a 4–0 loss against Hobro on 29 October 2011.{{cite news|title=Hjørring så rødt i lokalslag|url=http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/hjoerring-saa-roedt-i-lokalslag/be74ccf8-0d2a-4534-ba24-b32f8251e0d3/4/1513|publisher=Nordjyske.de|language=Danish|date=29 October 2011|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227165438/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/hjoerring-saa-roedt-i-lokalslag/be74ccf8-0d2a-4534-ba24-b32f8251e0d3/4/1513|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} After that red card, Butcher, however, suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out for months.{{cite news|title=Weakened Hjørring gets it hard|trans-title=Svækkede Hjørring får det svært|url=http://www.sporten.dk/betting/svaekkede-hjoerring-faar-det-svaert|publisher=Sporten|language=Danish|date=4 November 2011|accessdate=4 July 2013}} It wasn't until 28 April 2012, that he made his return from injury, in a 4–0 win over Akademisk Boldklub.{{cite news|title=Michael Nielsen-show i Hjørring|url=http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/michael-nielsen-show-i-hjoerring/ba10bacb-751b-4e5a-93c9-ebc9f5c4ede1/4/1513|publisher=Nordjyske.dk|language=Danish|date=29 April 2012|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227170202/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/michael-nielsen-show-i-hjoerring/ba10bacb-751b-4e5a-93c9-ebc9f5c4ede1/4/1513|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} Despite being sidelined twice as the 2011–12 season progressed to an end,{{cite news|title=Roel rykkes op på midten|url=http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/roel-rykkes-op-paa-midten/ed80dcb0-792c-47d7-89fa-b76a5bcb898e/4/1513|publisher=Nordjyske.dk|language=Danish|date=20 May 2012|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227170726/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/roel-rykkes-op-paa-midten/ed80dcb0-792c-47d7-89fa-b76a5bcb898e/4/1513|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Nyt nederlag til FC Hjørring|url=http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/nyt-nederlag-til-fc-hjoerring/dd0dd1a3-6fd7-4432-b29a-3e9445f7081d/4/1513|publisher=Nordjyske.de|language=Danish|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227171026/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/nyt-nederlag-til-fc-hjoerring/dd0dd1a3-6fd7-4432-b29a-3e9445f7081d/4/1513|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} Butcher helped the club finish in tenth place in the league.

At the end of the season, it was announced that Butcher was to be released by the club and he was expected to return to England.{{cite news|title=Jesper Weinkouff og Calum Butcher stopper i FC Hjørring|url=http://fchjoerring.dk/nyheder?id=56|publisher=FC Hjørring Official Website|language=Danish|date=19 June 2012|accessdate=3 July 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202112040/http://fchjoerring.dk/nyheder?id=56|archivedate=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}} He was linked with a move to AaB,{{cite news|title=AaB jagter forsvarer|url=http://www.sporten.dk/fodbold/aab-jagter-forsvarer|publisher=Sporten|language=Danish|date=19 May 2012|accessdate=4 July 2013}} as well as, a move to Viborg.{{cite news|title=Viborg kigger på Butcher|url=http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/viborg-kigger-paa-butcher/6dd73aea-cf2f-44fd-8775-04f74c0e85f1/4/1513|publisher=Nordjyske.dk|language=Danish|date=11 July 2012|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227171402/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/viborg-kigger-paa-butcher/6dd73aea-cf2f-44fd-8775-04f74c0e85f1/4/1513|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} However, neither move happened with Butcher opting not to stay in Denmark in the summer.{{cite news|title=Calum Butcher afviser danske klubber|url=http://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Calum-Butcher-afviser-danske-klubber/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=29 August 2012|accessdate=27 December 2016}}

=Hayes & Yeading United=

On 7 September 2012, Butcher returned to England with his new club Hayes & Yeading United and he went straight into the squad for the following day's match against Dover Athletic. He started the match, as Hayes & Yeading won 1–0.{{cite news|title=Joseph strike seals victory at Dover|url=http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/allsport/2012/09/08/joseph-strike-seals-victory-at-dover-113046-31796393/|work=Uxbridge Gazette|date=8 September 2012|accessdate=3 July 2013}} He scored his first goal for the club, in the third round qualifying of the FA Cup, with a 2–1 win over Salisbury City.{{cite news|title=Butcher could not resist Tottenham reunion at Kingfield|url=http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/hayesandyeading/2012/10/15/butcher-could-not-resist-tottenham-reunion-at-kingfield-113046-32020524/|work=Uxbridge Gazette|date=15 October 2012|accessdate=3 July 2013}} On 30 March 2013, Butcher scored his first league goal, in a 4–1 loss against Billericay Town.{{cite news|title=BILLERICAY TOWN VS. HAYES & YEADING UNITED 4 – 1|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/03/30/england/conference-n--s/billericay-town-fc/hayes-and-yeading-fc/1310490/|publisher=Soccerway|date=30 March 2013|accessdate=3 July 2013}} At the end of the season, Butcher left the club.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

=Dundee United=

After leaving Hayes & Yeading United, Butcher joined Dundee United on trial, along with former teammate Kudus Oyenuga.{{cite news|title=Dundee United boss confident of tying up permanent deals for trialists|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/dundee-united/231525-dundee-united-boss-confident-of-tying-up-permanent-deals-for-trialists/|publisher=STV Sport|date=1 July 2013|accessdate=3 July 2013|archive-date=6 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706024942/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/dundee-united/231525-dundee-united-boss-confident-of-tying-up-permanent-deals-for-trialists/|url-status=dead}} The next day, Manager Jackie McNamara said both Oyenuga and Butcher had impressed during the trial and hinted they might earn a contract.{{cite news|title=Spurs duo in Jackie McNamara's sights as he looks for new faces at Tannadice|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/spurs-duo-jackie-mcnamaras-sights-2017943|publisher=Daily Record|date=2 July 2013|accessdate=3 July 2013}} On 4 July 2013, Butcher signed a contract until May 2015 with Dundee United.{{cite news|title=Dundee United sign Calum Butcher and Kudus Oyenuga|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23185060|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 July 2013|accessdate=27 June 2015}} He made his competitive debut for the Terrors in the opening Scottish Premiership match versus Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow. The match ended 0–0.{{cite news|title=Partick Thistle 0 – 0 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23460921|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 August 2013|accessdate=27 June 2015}} Butcher started in an away league match against United's local Tayside rivals St Johnstone but was sent off for a last man challenge on striker Stevie May. May converted the resulting penalty.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 3 – 0 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25482658|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 December 2013|accessdate=27 June 2015}} He would then only make one further appearance for the first team that season.{{Soccerbase season|51187|2013|name=Calum Butcher|accessdate=5 January 2015}} Butcher was soon sidelined with a fractured foot, ruling him out of the remainder of the season, but the club's assistant coach Simon Donnelly insisted he could make an impact the following season.{{cite news|title=Dundee United's 'forgotten men' tipped to make impact next season|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/dundee-united-s-forgotten-men-tipped-to-make-impact-next-season-1.334360|publisher=The Courier|date=24 April 2014|accessdate=27 June 2015}}

Ten months later, Butcher made a surprise return to the first team in a 3–0 win over St Mirren.{{cite news|title=St Mirren 3 – 0 St Mirren|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29767943|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 November 2014|accessdate=27 June 2015}} As a result, he switched position from defence to midfield,{{cite news|title=Motherwell v Dundee United: Patient Butcher relishes return|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/motherwell-v-dundee-united-patient-butcher-relishes-return-1.670234|publisher=The Courier|date=7 November 2014|accessdate=27 June 2015}}{{cite news|title=Dundee United's Calum Butcher wants to make amends|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/dundee-united-s-calum-butcher-wants-to-make-amends-1.755913|publisher=The Courier|date=27 December 2014|accessdate=27 June 2015}} He managed to get a run of games in the team and scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat to St Johnstone, nearly a year on from the match where he was sent off.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 2 – 1 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30559275|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 December 2014|accessdate=27 June 2015}} In the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup against Celtic, Butcher was involved in an incident, which resulted in teammate Paul Paton being sent-off, in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Dundee United 1 – 1 Celtic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31680308|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 March 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015}} In the end, the Scottish FA decided not take action against Butcher, meaning that he was available to play in the Scottish League Cup final.{{cite news|title=Dundee United: Calum Butcher escapes ban because of loophole|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31829564|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 March 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015}} The Scottish FA's decision was to allow Butcher to play was criticised by Celtic.{{cite news|title=Dundee United: Calum Butcher escapes ban because of loophole|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/31829564|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 March 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015}} He started in the final, playing as a central-midfield, as Dundee United lost 2–0 to Celtic.{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Richard|title=Dundee Utd 0 – 2 Celtic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31785677|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=16 March 2015|date=27 June 2015}} His return to the first team saw him make fifteen appearances, scoring once in the 2014–15 season.{{Soccerbase season|51187|2014|name=Calum Butcher|accessdate=5 January 2015}}

With his contract expiring at the end of the 2014–15 season, Butcher was offered a new contract.{{cite news|title=Dundee United make offers to Sean Dillon and Calum Butcher|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/dundee-united-make-offers-to-sean-dillon-and-calum-butcher-1.872923|publisher=The Courier|date=8 May 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015}} He stated that the contract had to acceptable for him must be right or he would leave the club.{{cite news|title=Calum Butcher: Dundee United deal must be right for me or I'm off|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/calum-butcher-dundee-united-deal-5752006|publisher=Daily Record|date=24 May 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015}} Butcher eventually turned down a new contract, saying that he wasn't happy with the contract length he was offered.{{cite news|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/2015/06/17/calum-butcher-left-dundee-united-after-length-of-contract-dispute/|title=CALUM BUTCHER LEFT DUNDEE UNITED AFTER LENGTH OF CONTRACT DISPUTE|newspaper=Evening Telegraph|date=17 June 2015|accessdate=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627230818/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/2015/06/17/calum-butcher-left-dundee-united-after-length-of-contract-dispute/|archivedate=27 June 2015|url-status=live}}

=Burton Albion=

After turning down a new contract with Dundee United, Butcher joined Burton Albion in June 2015, on a two-year contract.{{cite news|title=Calum Butcher: Burton Albion sign Dundee United midfielder|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33132263|accessdate=15 June 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 June 2015}} Upon joining the club, he was given number twelve shirt for the new season.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/201516-squad-numbers-have-been-confirmed-2596790.aspx|title=2015/16 SQUAD NUMBERS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=6 August 2015|accessdate=27 December 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305200057/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/201516-squad-numbers-have-been-confirmed-2596790.aspx|archivedate=5 March 2016|url-status=live}} After being an unused substitute in the first two matches of the season, Butcher made his Burton Albion debut in the first round of the League Cup, in a 1–0 win over Bolton Wanderers.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 0 – 1 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33768800|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2015|accessdate=27 December 2016}} Seven days later, on 18 August 2015, he made his league debut for the club, in a 2–1 win over Blackpool.{{cite news|title=Blackpool 1 – 2 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33857780|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2015|accessdate=27 December 2016}} Butcher soon became a first team regular,{{cite news|title=Burton Albion midfielder Calum Butcher on what he has learned – and how he is striving to improve|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burton-albion-midfielder-calum-butcher-learned/story-28121929-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=6 November 2015|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227174851/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burton-albion-midfielder-calum-butcher-learned/story-28121929-detail/story.html#|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} but continued to find himself picking yellow cards several times throughout the season.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion boss Hasselbaink wants Calum Butcher to retain his edge despite threat of bookings|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burton-albion-boss-hasselbaink-wants-calum/story-27867806-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=26 September 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227174205/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burton-albion-boss-hasselbaink-wants-calum/story-27867806-detail/story.html#|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} Nevertheless, Butcher scored his first goals on 19 October 2015, in a 3–3 draw against Doncaster Rovers.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 3 – 3 Doncaster Rovers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35077859|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2015|accessdate=27 December 2016}} Later in the 2015–16 season, he went on to score four more goals, against Coventry City,{{cite news|title=Coventry City 0 – 2 Burton Albion: Burton Albion end Sky Blues home run|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/coventry-vs-burton-alb/340399|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 January 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} Chesterfield{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 1 – 0 Chesterfield: Albion extend League 1 lead|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/burton-alb-vs-chesterfld/340444|publisher=Sky Sports|date=12 February 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} and Port Vale.{{cite news|title=Port Vale 0 – 4 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35791529|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 March 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} After scoring five times in forty–three appearances in all competitions, he helped Burton gain promotion to the Championship as they clinched second place in League One.

Ahead of the 2016–17 season, Butcher was expected to play as a striker by Manager Nigel Clough, which he did once in the last game of the season against Doncaster Rovers.{{cite news|title=Calum Butcher to play as striker for Burton Albion in the Championship|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/calum-butcher-to-play-as-striker-for-burton-albion-in-the-championship/story-29541606-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=22 July 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227200600/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/calum-butcher-to-play-as-striker-for-burton-albion-in-the-championship/story-29541606-detail/story.html#|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Analysis: Burton Albion reach Championship with draw at Doncaster Rovers|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Analysis-Burton-Albion-reach-Championship-draw/story-29245824-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=8 May 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227201108/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/analysis-burton-albion-reach-championship-draw/story-29245824-detail/story.html#|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}} Butcher scored his first goal of the season, in the first round of the League Cup, in a 3–2 win over Bury.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 3–2 Bury (AET): Calum Butcher and Stuart Beavon break visitors' hearts|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/burton-alb-vs-bury/360013|publisher=Sky Sports|date=10 August 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} However, his first team opportunities became increasingly limited, due to playing in a number of different positions and new summer signings being preferred.{{cite news|title=Why did Calum Butcher opt to leave Burton Albion for League One promotion hopefuls Millwall|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/why-did-calum-butcher-opt-to-leave-burton-albion-for-league-one-promotion-hopefuls-millwall/story-29719829-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=15 September 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227202448/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/why-did-calum-butcher-opt-to-leave-burton-albion-for-league-one-promotion-hopefuls-millwall/story-29719829-detail/story.html#|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}}

=Millwall=

On 25 August 2016 Butcher joined Millwall from Burton, signing a two–year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37187012|title=Calum Butcher joins Millwall from Burton Albion on two-year deal|date=25 August 2016|accessdate=25 August 2016|publisher=BBC Sport}} Two days after signing for the club, he made his Millwall debut on 27 August 2016, coming on as a late substitute, in a 3–1 win over Chesterfield.{{cite news|title=Chesterfield 1–3 Millwall: Steve Morison inspires win|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/chesterfld-vs-millwall/358712|publisher=Sky Sports|date=27 August 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} After joining Millwall, Butcher became a first team regular, playing as a box to box midfielder. He said this was one of the reasons he joined the club as he felt this was his best position.{{cite news|title=Calum Butcher wants to be Millwall's box-to-box boss|url=http://www.newsatden.co.uk/58470-butcher-wants-to-be-millwalls-box-to-box-boss.html|publisher=News at Den|date=14 September 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} He then scored his first goal for the club on 15 October 2016, in a 3–1 win over Northampton Town.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town 1 – 3 Millwall|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37593926|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 October 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}} His second goal for the club came on 26 November 2016, in a 3–2 win over Bury.{{cite news|title=Bury 2–3 Millwall Lions roar to victory at Bury|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/bury-vs-millwall/358891|publisher=Sky Sports|date=26 November 2016|accessdate=27 December 2016}}

=Mansfield Town=

Butcher joined EFL League Two club Mansfield Town in August 2017 after being released from his Millwall contract.{{cite news|title=Calum Butcher: Midfielder signs for Mansfield Town from Millwall|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41114545|accessdate=1 September 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2017}}

Butcher joined Billericay Town on loan in January 2018.[http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/15910470.Butcher_grateful_to_Billericay_after_completing_loan_move_from_Mansfield/ Calum Butcher grateful to Billericay Town after completing loan move from Mansfield] York Press, 31 January 2018 He was transfer-listed by Mansfield at the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44075117|title=Mansfield Town release Rhys Bennett and six others transfer-listed|date=10 May 2018|accessdate=11 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}

=Dundee United (Second spell)=

Butcher resigned for Dundee United in the January 2019 transfer window.{{cite web |url=https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/5926/BUTCHER-IS-BACK.html |title=Butcher is back |work=Dundee United F.C. |date=31 January 2019 |accessdate=1 February 2019 }} By November 2019, he had scored four goals in his second spell at the club and was described by Dundee United's website as "one of the first names on the teamsheet"{{cite web |url=https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/6326/BUTCHER-COMMITS-TO-TANGERINE-FUTURE.html |title=Butcher commits to Tangerine future|work=Dundee United F.C. |date=28 November 2019 |accessdate=28 November 2019 }} On 28 November 2019, it was announced he had signed a new contract, which would see him stay at the club until at least 2023, with Butcher describing the club as "a great place to be right now" and stating that he could "see something great happening here".

In January 2020, Butcher was named as Scottish Championship Player of the Month for December 2019.{{cite web|title=AWARDS DOUBLE FOR UNITED|url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/awards-double-for-united|publisher=Scottish Professional Football League|date=7 January 2020|accessdate=2 February 2020}}

=Burton Albion (Second spell)=

Butcher resigned for Burton Albion on a two-year deal in July 2022{{Cite web |title=CALUM BUTCHER RETURNS TO BURTON ALBION ON TWO-YEAR DEAL |url=https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2022/july/1507-butcher/ |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=burtonalbionfc.co.uk |language=en-gb}}

Butcher left Burton Albion by mutual consent on 3 February 2023.{{cite web |title=CALUM BUTCHER LEAVES BURTON ALBION |url=https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2023/february/0302-butcher/ |website=burtonalbionfc.co.uk |publisher=Burton Albion F.C. |access-date=4 February 2023 |date=3 February 2023}}

=Motherwell=

On 4 February 2023, Butcher signed for Motherwell on a contract until the summer of 2024.{{cite web |title=CALUM BUTCHER JOINS MOTHERWELL |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2023/02/04/calum-butcher-joins-motherwell/ |website=motherwellfc.co.uk |publisher=Motherwell F.C. |access-date=4 February 2023 |date=4 February 2023}} On 24 May 2024, Motherwell announced Butcher would leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expired.{{cite web |title=2023/24 END OF SEASON SQUAD UPDATE |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2024/05/24/2023-24-end-of-season-squad-update/ |website=motherwellfc.co.uk |publisher=Motherwell F.C. |access-date=24 May 2024 |date=24 May 2024}}

Personal life

Butcher is a father of two children.

Honours

Millwall

EFL League One play-offs: 2017{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39905619 |title=Bradford City 0–1 Millwall |first=Josh |last=Hunt |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 May 2017 |accessdate=27 May 2018}}

Individual