Matthew David Butcher (born 14 May 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Salford City.
Early life Born in Portsmouth, Butcher grew up in Denmead and attended The Cowplain School in Waterlooville.
Career AFC Bournemouth Having undergone trials with both Portsmouth and Southampton, Butcher joined AFC Bournemouth in 2010 aged thirteen, progressing through the under-18 and under-21 sides. On 1 April 2015, he and three other Bournemouth youth prospects (including Joe Quigley, Jordan Lee and Jack Simpson) were offered a one-year professional contract.
On 27 August 2015, Butcher made his Bournemouth debut featuring in a 4–0 victory over Hartlepool United in the League Cup, replacing Adam Smith in the 77th minute. On 9 January 2016, he went on to make his first Bournemouth start in a 2–1 victory over Birmingham City in the FA Cup, playing the full 90 minutes.
Non-league loan spells On 5 February 2015, Butcher joined Conference South side Gosport Borough on a one-month loan on a work experience basis. 2 days later, he made his Gosport Borough debut in a 2–1 defeat against Hemel Hempstead Town, playing the full 90 minutes. On 7 March 2015, after only making one appearance for Gosport Borough, Butcher returned to Bournemouth.
On 26 March 2015, he joined non-league side Poole Town on loan for the remainder of the season. On 4 April 2015, Butcher made his Poole Town debut in a 1–0 defeat to Chippenham Town, playing the full 90 minutes. He went on to make seven more appearances before returning to Bournemouth.
On 26 February 2016, Butcher joined National League side Woking on a one-month loan deal. On 27 February 2016, he made his Woking debut in a 2–0 defeat to Grimsby Town in the FA Trophy, playing the full 90 minutes. On 26 March 2016, after impressing on loan at Woking, Butcher's loan spell was extended until the end of the season. On 2 April 2016, Butcher scored his first professional goal in a 2–2 draw with Southport, in which he got both goals.
Yeovil Town (loan) On 5 August 2016, Butcher joined League Two side Yeovil Town on a six-month loan deal. The following day, Butcher made his Yeovil Town debut in a 2–0 home victory against Notts County, replacing Kevin Dawson with six minutes remaining. On 9 August 2016, Butcher was given his full Yeovil Town debut by manager Darren Way in a 2–0 away victory against Walsall in the EFL Cup first round. On 5 January 2017, Butcher and his fellow Bournemouth loanee Ben Whitfield's loans were extended until the end of the season.
St Johnstone (loan) Butcher signed on for Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone on a six-month loan on 31 January 2020.
Accrington Stanley On 24 August 2020, Butcher signed for Accrington Stanley on a two-year deal.
On 5 May 2022, Accrington Stanley announced Butcher would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June 2022, with Stanley unable to agree improved terms with the player.
Plymouth Argyle On 20 June 2022, Plymouth Argyle announced on their website that Butcher would join on a two-year contract.
On 31 January 2024, Butcher was released from his contract to allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Wycombe Wanderers On 31 January 2024, Butcher signed for EFL League One side Wycombe Wanderers.
On 30 January 2025, Butcher joined fellow League One side Bristol Rovers on loan for the remainder of the season. On 2 February, he made his debut for the club, assisting the first goal in a 3–1 victory over Peterborough United.
Salford City On 22 August 2025, Butcher joined League Two club Salford City on a two-year deal.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAFC Bournemouth2014–15Championship000000—002015–16Premier League001010—202016–17Premier League000000—002017–18Premier League000000—002018–19Premier League000000—002019–20Premier League000000—00Total0010100020Gosport Borough (loan)2014–15Conference South1000—0010Poole Town (loan)2014–15Southern Premier8000—1Appearance in Southern Premier Play-offs090Woking (loan)2015–16National League10200—2One appearance in FA Trophy, one appearance in Surrey Senior Cup0122Yeovil Town (loan)2016–17League Two34210205Appearances in EFL Trophy0422St Johnstone (loan)2019–20Scottish Premiership601000—70Accrington Stanley2020–21League One4221010504922021–22League One344002000364Total766103050856Plymouth Argyle2022–23League One4031010604832023–24Championship1501020—180Total553203060663Wycombe Wanderers2023–24League One1830000212042024–25 League One130303040230Total313303061434Bristol Rovers (loan)2024–25League One180000000180Career total239169012025128517
Honours Plymouth Argyle EFL League One: 2022–23 EFL Trophy runner-up: 2022–23
Wycombe Wanderers EFL Trophy runner-up: 2023–24
Individual AFC Bournemouth Young Player of the Season: 2013–14
References