Bristol Rovers confirmed their second signing of the January transfer window on Thursday night, completing the capture of midfielder Matt Butcher on a loan deal from League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.
The 27-year-old has struggled for minutes at Adams Park this season amid the Chairboys’ ongoing push for automatic promotion and has subsequently made a move back to the South West for the remainder of the campaign, having played for Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town previously.
At Plymouth, Butcher was a League One title winner two seasons ago, making 40 league appearances that campaign. Now, the midfielder will be looking to offer his talents and expertise to steer Rovers clear of relegation concerns.
It is expected that the 27-year-old will be involved in the matchday squad in some capacity on Sunday when the Gas host Peterborough United. But what can Gasheads expect from the latest arrival in BS7?
Bristol Live spoke to the Bucks Free Press’ Wycombe reporter James Richings to get the inside scoop on all things Matt Butcher…
Why has Matt Butcher been unable to get the desired game time at Wycombe this season?
He started the season very much in the frame, but the signing of Aaron Morley on loan from Bolton Wanderers (where he has now returned to), cemented his place on the bench. Nothing to do with attitude of ability – it was just Morley was on such great form alongside Josh Scowen, it didn’t make sense to drop him.
How has he performed since joining from Plymouth last January?
Very well. Slotted in seamlessly and played a huge role in Wycombe’s rise up the table from just outside the relegation zone to finishing just outside the play-offs in 2023/24. Popped up with a few goals too, with his first strike being a 90th minute winner against Bradford City in the EFL Trophy semi-final last February. The form of Morley has made him surplus to requirements sadly.
What sort of midfielder is he?
He reminds me very much of Jordan Henderson. He gets himself about, very technical on the ball, gets a goal or two, isn’t afraid to tackle and can find himself in attacking positions. Very much an unsung hero.
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What are his best attributes?
He is a very good passer of the ball and his technique when striking a shot is very good. It’s always so clean. He has only scored four goals for Wycombe, but each goal was well-taken and struck very well. Most notably, his second against Northampton Town in March stands out, as he managed to lob the keeper. His range of passing is also very good – he can easily pick out a teammate with ease.
If he does well, could you see this becoming a permanent move?
Very much so. Wycombe are moving into a new direction of player as they are now very much data lead. Butcher was lacking consistent minutes as Plymouth which led to Wanderers signing him. But with Wycombe now signing Magnus Westergaard for a club-record fee in Butcher’s position, I think his days at Adams Park are numbered.