Butcher returns to Lincoln

Midfielder Richard Butcher has left Athletic after the dreadful treatment that he has received of late. The abuse culminated at Barnsley when he was booed by some Latics followers every time he got the ball, and cries of "Off, off, off!" were heard when he was booked. He has returned to Lincoln City on a month's loan and will go straight into the City squad for Friday night's home game against Cheltenham Town.

Butcher joined the Latics from the Imps in the summer on a two-year contract but has found it hard to adjust to League One standard of play and after last Saturday's game he approached manager Ronnie Moore requesting a loan move to get away. Butcher was delighted when he got the opportunity to return to Sincil Bank but a clause in the loan means that Butcher will not be permitted to play in the LDV Vans Trophy at Tranmere Rovers or in the first round of the FA Cup on November 5th.

Keith Alexander, the Lincoln boss said, "In fairness to Richard, since the first day he left, he's been looking to get back as soon as possible. I think he's realised it was a big step for him and perhaps it was a mistake for somebody like himself. But that's all in the past as he's back with us now. We're trying to improve the squad and I think Richard will do that. Things haven't worked out for him and I'm delighted to have him back for at least a month. It's up to him now to go out on to the pitch and perform. If he does well enough then we might be able to make the move permanent."