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Archived News from February 2018

CALUM BUTCHER JOINS BILLERICAY ON LOAN
7th February 2018 10:38


Midfielder joins Billericay on loan
mansfieldtown.net, Wed 31 Jan 2018

Midfielder Calum Butcher has joined Isthmian League Premier Division leaders Billericay Town on loan until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old had made the switch to north Nottinghamshire from Millwall last August, but has recently found first team opportunities limited at One Call Stadium due to a highly competitive midfield at the Stags which have aided Steve Evans’ side to an eight match unbeaten sequence in Sky Bet League Two.

Boss Steve Evans said: “Calum has been caught with the three club rule in one season.

“Throughout the January transfer window I have taken calls from League One and League Two to take the lad but he cannot move as the rules are now - obviously they need to change.

https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/january/butcher-goes-out-on-loan/

“He is a southern lad and a move to a very ambitious Billericay makes sense all round.

“The lad needs game time and this gives him a great opportunity.

“Something very special is going on at the club he is joining and we wish them and Calum every success for the rest of the season.”

“Billericay have made the deal easy for us to say ‘yes’ and all parties win.”

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Steve Evans on Butcher, 1 Feb 2018
SE: "Calum Butcher has been away from his young family in London and the plan is for them to move up here in the summer."
SE: "We got a couple of enquiries from National League clubs but Calum chose to join Billericay."
SE: "We want him to go there, play football, win promotion and then come back here and really affect things here next season."

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Stags boss backs Butcher to shine on loan at Billericay
chad.co.uk, JOHN LOMAS

Mansfield Town boss Steve Evans is hoping midfielder Calum Butcher enjoys a successful loan spell at Billercay Town and returns to the Stags ready to be a key player next season.

Stags had high hopes when they landed Butcher from League One Millwall in the summer. But, struggling for full fitness and a run of games, life has been frustrating for Butcher who has now had to drop to play non-League, despite interest from League One clubs interested in his services.

“The kid just needs to go and get games,” said Evans. “He came here and we had to work hard initially to get him fit as he was only a bit part of the scene at Millwall.

Read more at: https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/stags-boss-backs-butcher-to-shine-on-loan-at-billericay-1-8997120

“He scored on his debut off the bench with his first touch. But since then he’s been in and out - more out than in - but he’s never stopped working hard. “Coming here, he is away from his young family in London, which is always going to be tough. “When he wasn’t getting into the team on a regular basis all through December and January, I had a number - probably close to 10 - League One and League Two clubs ask to take him on loan. “We would have pressed the button with a good League One club but there is an idiotic rule that you can’t play for three clubs in one season - it’s nonsense probably made up by a janitor at FIFA. “They have no regard for what we’re about in League One and Two. We don’t have Premier League resources.” However, Butcher, 26, has now joined Isthmian League Premier Division leaders Billericay “Calum was frustrated at that ruling and asked if there were any other options as he needed to play games,” said Evans. “A couple of Conference clubs were interested. But then we got a call from Billericay, who are the Roy of the Rovers team of non-League right now. “They have a fantastic owner. It’s all right having funds, but you have to spend it properly and Calum will be a great signing for them. “He’s going to play with people like Jermaine Pennant and others.” Evans believes a good loan spell there could set up Butcher well for next season at the One Call Stadium. “He needs to go there, get lots of games, and help them get promoted,” said Evans. “He is back every night with his young family, which is important to him. I think the plan was to move them up here this summer. “So let’s hope he has a fantastic season and is back with us in the summer, his family have moved up, and he’s ready to go and play a big part next season.”

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Calum Butcher grateful to Billericay Town after completing loan move from Mansfield
basildonstandard.co.uk, by Luke Lambert @lukelambert90, Wed 31 Jan 2018

http://www.basildonstandard.co.uk/sport/15910470.Butcher_grateful_to_Billericay_after_completing_loan_move_from_Mansfield/

CALUM Butcher says he is looking forward to the challenge of the next three months after joining Billericay Town on loan from League Two side Mansfield Town.

The 26-year-old midfielder has played for Millwall and Mansfield already this term and is unable to join a third Football League club this term, in accordance with EFL guidelines.

And Rochford-born Butcher, who attended Belfairs High School, says he is excited about the months ahead.

“I am really happy to be here and grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “The rules sort of killed a move to a League club and it turned out that Billericay was the best option for me.

“It is a club going in the right direction and I spoke to a few people about it before I made a decision and I am looking forward to getting going.”

Town coach Danny Hazle was instrumental in making the deal happen - with he and Butcher both good friends of former Town captain Gary Howard.

And he said Billericay were delighted to land the former Southend United youth product.

“We are very fortunate to land someone of Calum’s stature,” said Hazle. “A few League clubs wanted him but because of the League rules he has made this move.

“He wants to help us win the league this season and it is a massive signing and statement of intent.”

Butcher has made 22 appearances this season, scoring two goals, with his last game coming against Morecambe on December 23, 2017.

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