Walsall Football Club have this afternoon announced that club captain Andy Butler has rejected a proposed contract extension with the Banks's Stadium club...In a statement released Via Saddlers.co.uk, manager Dean Smith confirmed: “It’s his prerogative. He wants to be able to look elsewhere and see what other options are available to him.
“If his future does lie away from us, we wish him well because he has been a fantastic servant to this football club over the years.
“He has been a tremendous captain and leader and a well-respected figure both on and off-the-field. It’s been a pleasure to work with him.”
30-year-old Butler had signed a deal which gave him an option of a further year with the club, which he has chosen not to activate.
Doncaster born Butler began his career as an apprentice at Scunthorpe United before penning professional terms in 2002. Andy spent six more years at Glanford Park, including a short loan spell with Grimsby Town, and made over 150 appearances for The Irons.
Following Blackpool's promotion, Butler returned to Huddersfield and was deemed surplus to requirements, he received his release and began the search for a new club.
Andy failed to secure a new club for the beginning of the 2010 season. He joined then League One side Rochdale on trial in November, and despite making a few appearances for the club's reserves he was unsuccessful in securing a deal.
Then Walsall manager Chris Hutchings signed Butler to a one-year contract in November 2010.
Following an impressive opening season, which saw him voted Player of the Season and Players Player of the Season, he was rewarded with a new two-year contract in the summer.
He went on to sign another deal, this time one-year with an option for another, in the summer of 2014.
Earlier this month Butler it was rumoured Andy interested in returning to play in the North-East after he and his family moved back to the region area after four-years away, and was believed to have held tentative discussions with clubs in the region.