Leeds Today
Butler at your service
United boss Blackwell names new skipper
EXCLUSIVE
BY PAUL DEWS
PAUL BUTLER was today confirmed as Leeds United's new captain.
The ex-Wolves defender will take over the armband from Dominic Matteo, who has joined Blackburn.
United boss Kevin Blackwell said he was looking for a similar character to lead his troops.
Butler, 31, was Blackwell's second summer signing when he joined Leeds on a free transfer.
He has played more than 500 senior games, enjoying successful spells with Wolves and Sunderland, and his experience made him the number one candidate for the job. Butler has captained his previous clubs and Blackwell says he has a vital role to play.
Said Blackwell: "Paul has shown leadership qualities at every club he's been at. He's captained Wolves, Sunderland and Bury and he's a great leader of men.
"One of the reasons I was so keen to bring him was because of his experience and the fact that he sets a good example to others.
"He's already shown those qualities in the six days we've been working and I think he is a fitting choice to take over from Dom."
Blackwell says Butler will have a role to play in working closely with the new management team at the club.
"I think he will be a great addition to the management team," said Blackwell.
"I want him to work closely with us and he will have a big role to play both on an off the pitch."
Butler also follows in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, Lucas Radebe, Gary McAllister and Gordon Strachan.
Strachan wore the armband when Leeds last won promotion to the top-flight in 1990.
Butler at your service
United boss Blackwell names new skipper
EXCLUSIVE
BY PAUL DEWS
PAUL BUTLER was today confirmed as Leeds United's new captain.
The ex-Wolves defender will take over the armband from Dominic Matteo, who has joined Blackburn.
United boss Kevin Blackwell said he was looking for a similar character to lead his troops.
Butler, 31, was Blackwell's second summer signing when he joined Leeds on a free transfer.
He has played more than 500 senior games, enjoying successful spells with Wolves and Sunderland, and his experience made him the number one candidate for the job. Butler has captained his previous clubs and Blackwell says he has a vital role to play.
Said Blackwell: "Paul has shown leadership qualities at every club he's been at. He's captained Wolves, Sunderland and Bury and he's a great leader of men.
"One of the reasons I was so keen to bring him was because of his experience and the fact that he sets a good example to others.
"He's already shown those qualities in the six days we've been working and I think he is a fitting choice to take over from Dom."
Blackwell says Butler will have a role to play in working closely with the new management team at the club.
"I think he will be a great addition to the management team," said Blackwell.
"I want him to work closely with us and he will have a big role to play both on an off the pitch."
Butler also follows in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, Lucas Radebe, Gary McAllister and Gordon Strachan.
Strachan wore the armband when Leeds last won promotion to the top-flight in 1990.