Thomas Butler

Dunfermline Athletic and Hartlepool United Having reconsidered his future, Butler joined Dunfermline on trial, subsequently signing and making eight starts and six substitute appearances. However, he wasn't offered an extended contract and was forced to look elsewhere.

In 2005, Butler then joined Hartlepool United on a short-term contract. He made his debut against Blackpool. Butler made an impressive start to his Hartlepool career and scored his first professional goal in the 3–0 win against Swindon. Butler then signed permanently for Hartlepool for 2005–06 season despite interests from two clubs. In his first full season at Hartlepool United, Butler scored his first goal of the season when he "raced past two challenges to fire a shot which goalkeeper Mark Goodlad could only help into the net", as Harlepool United beat Port Vale 2–1 on 29 October 2005 Though he made twenty-eight appearances, the club were relegated to League Two after finishing twenty-first place. He was linked with a move to Bradford City, a claim that was denied by Colin Todd.

Swansea City July 2006 saw Butler signed for Swansea City following Hartlepool's relegation for an undisclosed fee.

Butler made his debut for the club, in the opening game of the season, as Swansea City would lose Cheltenham Town 2–1. He scored his first goal, which Swansea City scored two goals in the last minutes, as they beat Port Vale on 18 November 2006. He then scored twice and won a penalty in Swansea's 3–0 win over Premiership side Sheffield United in the 2006–07 FA Cup third round tie at Bramall Lane. In his first season, Butler made thirty-two appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions.

He started the 2007–08 season when he scored a brace, as Swansea City would beat Leyton Orient 5–0 on 6 October 2007. Butler would score four goals against Southend United on 16 December 2007, Swindon Town on 1 January 2008, Crewe and Luton Town. At the end of the 2007–08 season, Butler signed a long-term contract.

In 2008–09 season, Butler made thirty-two appearances in all competitions and scoring once against Southampton, as well as providing assist, which Swansea City won 3–0 on 25 October 2008. His 2008–09 season was disrupted with a hamstring injury and despite not playing in the South Wales derby on 5 April 2009, Butler was sent-off after the final whistle when he was arguing with the official over the penalty decision to Cardiff City, allowing them to equalise. After this, Butler was suspended for three match.

Butler missed the first seven matches of the 2009–10 season due to a hernia injury and made his return in mid-September 2009. Butler scored his first goal of the season, as Swansea City beat Sheffield United on 26 September 2009. At the end of the 2009–10 season, Butler signed a one-year contract with the club after they decided to trigger his extension. Butler would make twenty-five appearances and score once.

However, in 2010–11, under manager Brendan Rodgers, Butler had yet to make an appearance under him and after an operation, Butler would be out for a long time until 2011 with a thigh injury. During the season, Butler had to go rehabilitation and even went to the specialist to sort out his injuries.

In January 2012, Rodgers offered Butler (along with David Cotterill and Andrea Orlandi) to join Dutch side ADO Den Haag on loan as their first team is limited. Swansea City announced on 20 January 2012 that Butler has been released from his contract by mutual consent, he signed a one-year contract in August 2011, but never made an appearance for Swansea in the Premier League.

Alnwick Town In December 2015, Butler signed for Northern League Division Two side Alnwick Town, agreeing to sign for new manager and Newcastle United Women's colleague Adam Laidlaw. Butler made his debut for the club in a 4–1 defeat to league leaders South Shields at Mariners Park, coming up against former Sunderland team-mate Julio Arca in the game.

Post Playing career After spending seven months searching for the club since being released, Butler call the end of his career, citing his persistent thigh injury. Butler took over as manager of FA Women's Premier League side Newcastle United Women in the summer of 2015.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Sunderland Football League First Division: 1998–99

Swansea City Football League One: 2007–08