Matt Butcher has insisted that his ears “perked up” when he heard that Bristol Rovers were interested after the midfielder completed a loan move from fellow League One side Wycombe Wanderers for the remainder of the season.
Butcher, 27, has played just 231 minutes of league football for the Chairboys this season with Wycombe still pushing for automatic promotion despite the departure of manager Matt Bloomfield to Luton Town earlier this month.
The midfielder made the move to Adams Park last January from Plymouth Argyle, for whom he was a key fixture in their League One winning side of 2022/23.
Speaking to Rovers’ media, Butcher said: “I’m really excited. Rovers is a club that I’ve played against many times in the past. I’ve been down to the Mem and experienced what it can be like, so I’m really looking forward to getting out here on Sunday. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.
“It’s one of those clubs that I’ve played against in the past. It’s an enjoyable place to play in terms of atmosphere but a tough place to come. It’s a feeling you get with certain clubs that you go to up and down the country, and when I knew Rovers were interested, it was always one that perked my ears up a little bit and made me want to definitely consider.”
Butcher is the Gas’ second signing of the January transfer window having also signed experienced midfielder Romaine Sawyers on a deal until the end of the season following the expiry of his contract at AFC Wimbledon.
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Rovers have sanctioned two midfield departures this month with loanee Jake Garrett returning to parent club Blackburn Rovers while Luke McCormick joined Forest Green Rovers on loan for the remainder of the season.
In his brief time at the club so far, Inigo Calderon has mainly opted with a midfield pivot of Grant Ward and Sawyers, although Jamie Lindsay started in place of the latter on Tuesday night in the Gas’ 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic.
The expectation is that Butcher will be available to feature for Rovers on Sunday when they host Peterborough United.
On the deal, Calderon added: “We are delighted to welcome Matt to Bristol Rovers. Matt brings strength, precision and technique and has proven his ability in this division and across the EFL.
“Not only does Matt have a physical presence and range in his passing but he has proven himself a versatile player with an eye for goal too. We are looking forward to working with him for the remainder of the season.”