Doncaster Rovers Belles

Andy Butler says he jumped at the chance to take charge of the Belles as he was appointed first-team manager on Thursday.

Doncaster-born Butler, who spent five seasons playing for Rovers, took charge of training on his first day in the job, and he believes the opportunity to get straight down to work will help them to put their stamp on things quickly.

“I’m really pleased to come on board, I’m excited for a new challenge, and I’m really looking forward to it, as soon as I spoke to those at the club I jumped at the chance to take it on, this is a great place to progress my coaching,” he said.

“It’ll be good to get to work straight away, I’ve got some footage from games which we’ll sit through and have a good look at, we want to get some good results on the board early on and when it comes to it, climb up the league table.

“They got a couple good results on the board before the turn of the year and I think that gives us a good platform to work from, we want to put our own stamp on things but we’re looking forward to working with the girls.”

Butler will be assisted by Nick Buxton, who like the new manager, has been involved with the Rovers’ academy set-up, and Butler is hoping the pair’s experience in the professional game can help the squad to thrive.

“Hopefully they’ll embrace what me and Nick are trying to do here, Nick has a lot of knowledge from playing professional football as well, we’re on the same page of what we want to do, so it was a no brainer for me to get him on board too,” he added.

“I don’t know everything, I’m learning every day and Nick will be a big help, we’ll work well together and hopefully that will rub off on the players, we want to get the plans in place and do what’s best for Doncaster Rovers Belles.”

Andy Butler's first game in charge of the Belles is on Sunday January 19 as they host Huddersfield Town at Oxford Street in the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA County Cup, tickets are priced at £3 for adults and £1 for 17 and under.