Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town have won the race to capture the signature of double promotion winning midfielder Calum Butcher.

The 26-year-old midfielder, previously with Millwall, turned down offers from clubs in the EFL to put pen to paper at One Call Stadium.

Butcher began his senior career at Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur after progressing through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town and Southend United, respectively.

After spells in Denmark with FC Hjørring and non-league with Hayes & Yeading United, the Essex-born midfielder joined Scottish side Dundee United in 2013.

After helping the Terrors reach the Scottish League Cup final, he was offered a new deal at the end of the season, but turned it down and instead opted to join then-League One side Burton Albion.

The dynamic midfielder made 43 appearances for the Brewers as they won promotion from League One to the Championship in Butcher’s first season at the club.

"I insisted to my agent that we get the deal done as soon as possible."

He made three appearances and scored once at the start of the 2016/17 season, but left the Pirelli Stadium to link up with Millwall in August 2016.

He played 40 times for the Lions in all competitions last season, including the League One play-off final which resulted in Neil Harris’ side winning promotion to the Championship.

Butcher said he was attracted to make the move to north Nottinghamshire after learning of Stags’ ambition and working under boss Steve Evans.

 “There were [other] clubs in for me, but after speaking with the manager and what he’s trying to build, it was a ‘no brainer’,” said Butcher. “I insisted to my agent that we get the deal done as soon as possible. I’m really happy to get it done.

“The club’s ambition, where it’s going and where it wants to be, and working with a manager like Steve who knows how to win promotions made me want to sign.”

Describing his style of play, he said: “I like to break forward and hopefully score some goals. I want to bring a bit of everything to the side this season.

“I’m more of an attacking midfielder, I like to get in the box and get on the end of things and break forward.”

Summing up his Deadline Day move, Butcher added: “It’s exciting. I have a young family who’ll be moving up with me. I want to get settled as soon as possible, hit the ground running and stamp my authority on the side.”