John Butler

John Edward Butler (born 7 February 1962) is an English former association footballer who played in the Football League. With Wigan Athletic he won promotion from English football's divisional fourth tier in 1982, and as divisional champions in 1997. He was 1983-84 Wigan player of the season. With Stoke City he won the 1991-92 Football League Trophy and was promoted as 3rd tier divisional champions in 1993. A durable and versatile player, he amassed over 300 games for both clubs in his career 687 senior competitive first team appearances. He played in all 11 positions on the pitch during his 16-season professional footballer career. His specialist position was right back.

Career Early years Butler was born in Liverpool and grew up in the Wavertree area with his mother, step father, three brothers and one sister. He played football at non-league side Prescot Cables to whom he was introduced by Jimmy Wield, the man Butler cites as the person to give him a career as a professional footballer. Butler was being scouted by Liverpool with Geoff Twentyman and Tom Saunders scheduled to watch him. However the game in question was cancelled and Wigan Athletic seized the opportunity with assistant manager Harry McNally offering Butler terms the day after.

Honours Wigan Athletic Football League Fourth Division (fourth tier) promotion: 1981–82 Football League Division Three (fourth tier) champions: 1996–97 Player of the Year: 1984

Stoke City Football League Trophy winner: 1992 Division Two (third tier) champions 1992–93