Thomas Butler

Thomas Anthony Butler (born 25 April 1981) is a former professional footballer who last played for Swansea City in the Premier League.

He has played for the Republic of Ireland at under-21 and senior level.

Butler started his career at Sunderland, and as a youngster forged himself a reputation as one of the Republic of Ireland's brightest stars and he gained acclaim when he was named the Republic of Ireland's Under-15 Player of the Year in 1997.

By the time he was 18, he had travelled to South Africa to play in the 1999 World Youth Cup for his country.

Butler was then signed to a professional contract by Peter Reid for Sunderland.

Shortly thereafter, Butler made his debut during Sunderland's 3–2 win over Walsall during the 1999–2000 season after coming on as a substitute.

Butler was on the verge of breaking into the first team and was successful for the reserves.

This earned him a chance to make his first league appearance after once again coming on as a substitute against West Ham.

He would soon earn praise, being considered by some as the Irish version of Joe Cole.

However, the following season saw Butler struggling to make an impact and he was loaned to Darlington to gain match practice.

His loan spell with Darlington would be extended for another month.

He made ten appearances for Darlington, but despite his popularity among the fans his loan move was not extended and Butler returned to Sunderland.

The following seasons saw Butler make just 17 starts and 12 substitute appearances.

At the end of the 2001–02 season, Butler's future was in doubt upon the expiry of his contract.

In a match against Charlton Athletic on 27 April 2002, Butler helped the club make a comeback just after Charlton scored, when he provided assist for Kevin Kilbane, which both side drew 2–2.

However, on 1 August 2002, Butler signed a contract to keep him at Sunderland for three more years, until 2005.

Despite the lack of games, Butler was called up the Republic of Ireland team by Mick McCarthy and made his senior international debut in the 3–0 win against Finland in August 2002.

Following the retirement of Kevin Kilbane, Hartlepool Mail believed that Butler could be expected to become a first team regular.

During his last season at the club, Butler's season was disrupted by a knee injury he sustained in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United.

His injury would keep him out for a long time following an operation.

Butler left Sunderland for unspecified personal reasons, returning to Ireland and stating his intention to leave professional football.

While Sunderland were initially sympathetic to his situation, he eventually threatened them with legal action for breach of contract.

On 2 July 2005, the dispute between Butler and the club were later settled just before the tribunal could happen.

Having reconsidered his future, Butler joined Dunfermline on trial, subsequently signing and making eight starts and six substitute appearances.

However, he wasn't offered an extended contract and was forced to look elsewhere.

In 2005, Butler then joined Hartlepool United on a short-term contract.

He made his debut against Blackpool.

Butler made an impressive start to his Hartlepool career and scored his first professional goal in the 3–0 win against Swindon.

Butler then signed permanently for Hartlepool for 2005–06 season despite interests from two clubs.

In his first full season at Hartlepool United, Butler scored his first goal of the season when he "raced past two challenges to fire a shot which goalkeeper Mark Goodlad could only help into the net", as Harlepool United beat Port Vale 2–1 on 29 October 2005 Though he made twenty-eight appearances, the club were relegated to League Two after finishing twenty-first place.

He was linked with a move to Bradford City, a claim that was denied by Colin Todd.

July 2006 saw Butler signed for Swansea City following Hartlepool's relegation for an undisclosed fee.

Butler made his debut for the club, in the opening game of the season, as Swansea City would lose Cheltenham Town 2–1.

He scored his first goal, which Swansea City scored two goals in the last minutes, as they beat Port Vale on 18 November 2006.

He then scored twice and won a penalty in Swansea's 3–0 win over Premiership side Sheffield United in the 2006–07 FA Cup third round tie at Bramall Lane.

In his first season, Butler made thirty-two appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions.

He started the 2007–08 season when he scored a brace, as Swansea City would beat Leyton Orient 5–0 on 6 October 2007.

Butler would score four goals against Southend United on 16 December 2007, Swindon Town on 1 January 2008, Crewe and Luton Town.

At the end of the 2007–08 season, Butler signed a long-term contract.

In 2008–09 season, Butler made thirty-two appearances in all competitions and scoring once against Southampton, as well as providing assist, which Swansea City won 3–0 on 25 October 2008.