The 38-year-old has recorded almost 700 professional appearances, with lengthy spells at Scunthorpe United, Walsall and Doncaster Rovers, with whom he was at most recently.

The Doncaster-born man has also taken the step into coaching in recent years, with spells at Doncaster Rovers and Peterborough United before he became the Manager of Doncaster Rovers Belles, a role he will continue to hold alongside his playing duties.

Upon signing for the club, Butler said: “I wanted to get back playing football.

“I spoke to Russ, and I’ve known him for a long time. He gave me the opportunity to get back into football, I’ve been out for about a year now, and if I’m being honest I’ve missed it.

“I’ve kept myself fit during that period and I’ve been coaching, but I’ve actually missed playing football, so my main aim was to get back playing and enjoying it.

“I’ve got a few people to prove wrong as well who’ve doubted me and written me off, so I’ve still got a lot to prove.”

Butler has featured regularly for the Celts throughout pre-season as ‘Trialist A’, so has already had a few weeks settling into life at the Citadel.

He continued: “The lads have been really good, I’ve been really impressed with them.

“We’ve chopped and changed a few times to get minutes into legs, but all pre-season is about is getting through it, building those relationships of course, but ultimately getting through injury free, and we’ve done that so far.

“I’m sure Russ and everyone in the team will knuckle down and get set for what’s going to be a big season again, it’s important for us.

“Hopefully I can bring some experience, I’ve been around for a while now, and I’m very vocal in how I play, pretty no-nonsense – what you see is what you get!

“I love defending, I love organising, and if there’s a ball there to be headed I’ll go head it, all the cuts and bruises on my face tell you that!”

Russ Wilcox added: “I’ve known Andy for 20 years, we were together at Scunthorpe and I was the assistant manager when he made his debut at 18.

“We’ve kept in contact since then, I’ve watched his career in which he’s played over 600 league games.

“He has unbelievable experience at most levels, and he’s still really fit for his age. He’s 38 now but he’ll probably be the fittest player in the group, which he showed last week by playing 90 minutes, which is the first he’s played for a while.

“He’s an excellent professional, a good guy, he’s got excellent knowledge of the game, so hopefully he’ll be a great signing for the football club.”

If you wish to sponsor Andy Butler for the upcoming season, please contact Rob Winterbottom on +44 7736 037604.

Welcome to Farsley, Andy!