Butler casts Latics’ net far and wide

PAUL BUTLER

ATHLETIC’S chief scout Paul Butler says the club is widening its net in the search for hidden treasure.

With the majority of npower League One clubs operating on tight budgets, the acquisition of uncut diamonds has never been more important.

Former Rochdale, Sunderland, Wolves and Leeds defender Butler hit the ground running after accepting boss Paul Dickov’s job offer in the summer.

And he is determined to leave no stone unturned in a bid to help the Scot’s bid for Boundary Park glory.

Butler said: “We are setting up a network now, with the addition of a few trusted lads helping me out at various games.

“I scout the teams we are due to play against and also individual players who might improve the squad.

“People may think we don’t cast the net far enough, but we look all over the place.

“We turn out at reserve matches, non-League games, and have a bigger presence in Northern Ireland and Scotland due to Gerry Taggart and Paul Dickov’s links to the two countries.

“With the budget we have, we simply have to get out to reserve team games and take a closer look at players who could be available.”

Butler admitted there still has to be a balancing act, and he is careful not to bombard Dickov with potential additions to the squad.

“If I acted on every recommendation, there would be 50 or 60 men coming on trial every week,” said the former Republic of Ireland international.

“That just isn’t fair on the manager. Pre-season is the time for that sort of thing.

“We know how important it is to unearth talent. I see the lads here on a Thursday and Friday and then I am off on my travels every weekend, up and down the country.

“As a club we are making steady progress. We make sure the quality of scout helping us out is up to scratch, and then get them out there.

“This division isn’t a fair one if you live up North - but the only way out of that is to get promoted!”