Butcher Rejoins Lincoln City

28th May 2009

Lincoln City FC manager is currently enjoying the admiration of Lincoln City supporters after deciding to sign fans' favourite Richard Butcher.

On Saturday, TFI reported that Lincoln were vying with Rotherham United for Butcher's signature following Butcher's surprise release from Notts County. Thankfully, Lincoln have won this race and Butcher rejoins Lincoln for a third spell.

During his first spell at Lincoln, he became a hit among fans for his workrate and passing ability. Unfortunately, lacking from Butcher's game was his ability to score goals on a regular basis. Since joining Notts County, he appears to have found his goal scoring touch as he hit double figures during the 2007-08 season. Possibly that ability has always been there and that Lincoln's 5-2-3 formation did not suit midfielders Butcher and Peter Gain who were charged with creating goals for the three attackers.

Jackson favours a 4-3-3 formation which can be switched to a 4-4-2. This then places the onus on the midfielders to support the attackers, something that Lincoln lacked last season following the departure of Lee Frecklington. None of Scott Kerr, Stefan Oakes or Shane Clarke are regular scorers.

The signing of Butcher instantly places doubt on the future of current Imps' midfielder Oakes. Despite being hailed as Lincoln's star attraction at the start of last season, Oakes went on to lose his first team place before returning to the side as a left winger, which he is not. However, Oakes has one year remaining on his contract, so will only leave Sincil Bank if another club decides to sign him from Lincoln either for a fee or more likely a free transfer.

This will be be Butcher's third spell at Lincoln City during the past seven years. He has signed a two year contract.

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