Bristol Rovers is delighted to confirm the loan signing of Matt Butcher from Wycombe Wanderers.
Midfielder Butcher joins the Gas on a loan deal until the end of the season, having made 13 appearances in Sky Bet League One for the Chairboys this term.
The 27-year-old brings extensive EFL experience to Rovers and previously lifted the League One Title with Plymouth Argyle in the 2022/23 season.
Butcher also previously played for the likes of AFC Bournemouth, where he began his career, as well as Yeovil Town, Accrington Stanley and St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
“I’m really excited,” Butcher said. “Rovers is a Club that I’ve played against many times in the past. I’ve been down to The Mem and experienced what it can be like, so I’m really looking forward to getting out here on Sunday. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.
“It’s one of those clubs that I’ve played against in the past. It's an enjoyable place to play in terms of atmosphere but a tough place to come. It's a feeling you get with certain clubs that you go to up and down the country, and when I knew Rovers were interested, it was always one that perked my ears up a little bit and made me want to definitely consider.”
Head Coach Iñigo Calderón welcomed Butcher to The Memorial Stadium and is looking forward to working with the loanee.
Calderón said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt to Bristol Rovers. Matt brings strength, precision and technique and has proven his ability in this division and across the EFL.
“Not only does Matt have a physical presence and range in his passing but he has proven himself a versatile player with an eye for goal too. We are looking forward to working with him for the remainder of the season.”
Born in Portsmouth in 1997, Butcher joined AFC Bournemouth as a 13-year-old and made his debut for the Cherries in a 4-0 League Cup win over Hartlepool United in August 2015. His first start came in an FA Cup victory over Birmingham City in January 2016.
Loan spells followed for the young midfielder with Gosport Borough, Poole Town and Woking respectively, before a season-long loan stint with League Two side Yeovil Town in the 206/17 campaign. He made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.
Six months on loan with Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone followed for Butcher in the 2019/20 season.
A permanent move saw Butcher sign for Accrington Stanley in 2020. He would play 85 times for the side across a two-year spell with the then-League One team, scoring six goals, before joining Plymouth Argyle in 2022.
Butcher was a pivotal figure in Argyle’s promotion-winning 2022/23 campaign, scoring three league goals and making 48 appearances as the Pilgrims secured their spot in the EFL Championship.
After 15 more showings in the first half of the 2023/24 season, Butcher signed for Wycombe Wanderers in January 2024. He has featured 43 times for the Chairboys over the last 12 months, scoring four goals.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to warmly welcome Matt to the Club and wish him every success for his loan spell with the Gas.
