New signing Matt Butcher says signing for Accrington Stanley on a permanent deal means it’s a big season for him.
The 23-year-old has signed from AFC Bournemouth, having been with the Cherries since he was 13 but has been limited to appearances in the cups.
He has been on loan at various non-league clubs and was at League Two side Yeovil in 2016 before playing in the Scottish Premiership at St Johnstone last season before Covid-19 halted the campaign.
Portsmouth-born Butcher has signed a two-year deal at the Wham Stadium.
“I am a central midfielder, more a box-to-box midfielder, someone who can get about the pitch,” he said.
“I have been at Bournemouth for a while, since I was 13, I have been on a few loans and am ready to get going and playing football again.
“I was up at St Johnstone last season and really enjoyed it and then with, what happened in the world, it brought things to a halt for a bit and now I am just raring to go and can’t wait to get back into the swing of things.
“I have been based down south for quite a while, my family are from down there, but obviously this is a great opportunity.
“Ever since I spoke to the club and the staff, it was always something I was interested in and it’s good to finally get it done.
“There are some massive teams in League One and it’s a big opportunity to go and show what I can do personally and what we can do as a club and hopefully those two can marry up and we can all have a good season.
“This season, there will be a lot of football in quick succession so the quicker I can get into training and games, the faster you get to know everyone better and get going.”
Butcher, at over 6ft tall, hopes he can chip in with a few goals.
“It is something I have had time to think about in my game, something I can continue to improve and hopefully effect games.”
Butcher will boost the midfield as Sam Finley is banned for the opening 10 games of the campaign.