Calum James Butcher (born 26 February 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Motherwell.
Butcher began his career with Tottenham Hotspur, but didn't make any first team appearances, spending time on loan at Barnet. After leaving Tottenham in 2011, Butcher played for FC Hjørring in Denmark and English non-league club Hayes & Yeading United before joining Dundee United in Scotland in 2013. He then had spells with Burton Albion and Millwall before joining Mansfield in 2017. After time on loan at Billericay Town, and second spells with both Dundee United and Burton Albion, Butcher joined Motherwell in February 2023.
Early life
Butcher was born in Rochford, Essex and grew up in Leigh-on-Sea. He considered Steven Gerrard as his role model while growing up. Despite starting his career at Tottenham Hotspur, Butcher grew up supporting Arsenal.
Career
Tottenham Hotspur
Butcher joined Tottenham Hotspur in June 2007 after going through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town and Southend United. He was named as a substitute for Tottenham in their UEFA Cup 1–1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on 26 February 2009.
Butcher joined Barnet on loan in November 2009 and made his first team debut against Bournemouth in the 1–1 draw on 1 December. After two months at Barnet, it was announced that the club had allowed Butcher to return to his parent club. Butcher then went on trial at Exeter City and Southend United. At the end of the 2010–11 season, Butcher was released by Tottenham.
Hjørring
On 21 July 2011, Danish club FC Hjørring announced that Butcher had signed a one-year contract with the club. He made his debut for the club, in the opening game of the season, a 4–0 loss against Viborg FF Butcher continued to be in the first team until he received a red card in the 77th minute after a second bookable offence, in a 4–0 loss against Hobro on 29 October 2011. After that red card, Butcher, however, suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out for months. It wasn't until 28 April 2012, that he made his return from injury, in a 4–0 win over Akademisk Boldklub. Despite being sidelined twice as the 2011–12 season progressed to an end, Butcher helped the club finish in tenth place in the league.
At the end of the season, it was announced that Butcher was to be released by the club and he was expected to return to England. He was linked with a move to AaB, as well as, a move to Viborg. However, neither move happened with Butcher opting not to stay in Denmark in the summer.
Hayes & Yeading United
On 7 September 2012, Butcher returned to England with his new club Hayes & Yeading United and he went straight into the squad for the following day's match against Dover Athletic. He started the match, as Hayes & Yeading won 1–0. He scored his first goal for the club, in the third round qualifying of the FA Cup, with a 2–1 win over Salisbury City. On 30 March 2013, Butcher scored his first league goal, in a 4–1 loss against Billericay Town. At the end of the season, Butcher left the club.
Dundee United
After leaving Hayes & Yeading United, Butcher joined Dundee United on trial, along with former teammate Kudus Oyenuga. The next day, Manager Jackie McNamara said both Oyenuga and Butcher had impressed during the trial and hinted they might earn a contract. On 4 July 2013, Butcher signed a contract until May 2015 with Dundee United. He made his competitive debut for the Terrors in the opening Scottish Premiership match versus Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow. The match ended 0–0. Butcher started in an away league match against United's local Tayside rivals St Johnstone but was sent off for a last man challenge on striker Stevie May. May converted the resulting penalty. He would then only make one further appearance for the first team that season. Butcher was soon sidelined with a fractured foot, ruling him out of the remainder of the season, but the club's assistant coach Simon Donnelly insisted he could make an impact the following season.