Midfielder Matt Butcher has signed a two-year deal with Accrington Stanley.
The 23-year-old is Stanley’s fourth signing of the summer and John Coleman says it’s a ‘big coup’ snapping up the AFC Bournemouth man on a permanent deal.
Butcher has been with the Cherries since he was 13, had various non-league loan spells as well as spending time at League Two Yeovil in 2016.
Last season he was on loan with Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone.
“Matt is someone we tried to sign last season on loan so to get him on a permanent deal is a big coup for us,” said the Reds boss.
“He is a talented player, a big presence in midfield and I am looking forward to working with him.
“Hopefully he can hit the ground running with us. We are a little bit short in midfield so this is a big signing for us.”
Butcher said: “I am a central midfielder, I would describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get about the pitch.
“I am raring to go, my loan spell at St Johnstone was cut short by Covid and I want to get back into the swing of things as quickly as possible.
“This is a permanent deal, a great opportunity for me.”