Guy Butters

Lore & Background

Butters made his Tottenham debut in November 1988 in a League Cup tie versus Blackburn Rovers in which he scored an own goal. He made his League debut as a goalscoring substitute that weekend in a 3–2 win against Wimbledon, and then started 34 of the next 35 games before making what would be his final appearance away to Charlton Athletic in October 1989. He spent the remainder of the season on loan at Fourth Division Southend United and was eventually sold to Portsmouth for a fee of £375,000. He won his first of 3 South East Counties Football League Championships whilst still at school with Spurs. After leaving school he joined them as an apprentice winning Best Defender of the Tournament at the prestigious Düsseldorf Football Tournament 2 years on the trot. After his apprenticeship he got into the first team within 4 months of being made a pro in 1988, and scored on his league debut versus Wimbledon. During this time he represented England at youth levels, but not the U21 team. After leaving Spurs he joined Portsmouth in 1990 and went on to be a part of 1992 FA Cup semi final squad, and also the squad that narrowly missed out in the play-off semi finals the following season. He spent six years at Gillingham, signing for them in October 1996. He played in the Play Off Final at Wembley against Manchester City missing the deciding penalty, but helped the next season by gaining Promotion to second-tier football beating Wigan. He was part of team that played in the FA Cup quarter finals against Chelsea. In 2002 he joined Brighton & Hove Albion. He was part of the team that gained promotion to the Championship beating Bristol City at the Millennium Stadium in 2004 under manager Mark McGhee. He also won Player of the Year in this season as well as the BBC South East Sports Award for Player of the Year. Butters played his 600th professional game during 2006 having been runner-up in the club's official player of the season awards for the two previous years. On 6 May 2008, it was confirmed that Butters, along with experienced trio Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart and Paul Reid were to be released from the club. He ended his professional career but continued in football as a manager.

In Their Own Story

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Withdean pitch as Guy Butters walked the touchline one last time before a chilly November fixture. He carried his well-worn rake over his shoulder, pausing to exchange a knowing nod with an old supporter in the stands who had been coming since the Goldstone days. A young lad tugged at his coat sleeve, asking if he was really going to play today; Guy laughed, a warm, gravelly sound that cut through the pre-match chatter, and shook his head gently. 'No son,' he said, patting the boy's shoulder, 'I keep the grass green so they can fly.'

Reader's Guide

Guy Butters is a former professional footballer and manager. He played for Tottenham Hotspur, Southend United (loan), Portsmouth, Gillingham, Brighton & Hove Albion, Havant & Waterlooville, and Lewes (loan). He managed Winchester City and served as assistant manager at Eastleigh.

Did You Know?

• Butters scored an own goal on his Tottenham debut in a League Cup tie versus Blackburn Rovers in November 1988.
• He scored on his league debut as a substitute in a 3–2 win against Wimbledon.
• He represented England at youth levels, but did not play for the U21 team.
• He missed the deciding penalty in the Play Off Final at Wembley against Manchester City while at Gillingham.
• He won Player of the Year and the BBC South East Sports Award for Player of the Year in the 2004 season with Brighton & Hove Albion.