Captain signs new deal at Walsall

Walsall were today handed a boost after captain Andy Butler signed a two-year deal at the Banks's Stadium.

And the central defender will be further rewarded by continuing to skipper the club next season, manager Dean Smith has confirmed.

Walsall's overwhelming Player of the Year was one of seven out-of-contract players offered new deals, along with goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, Matt Richards, Julian Gray, Emmanuel Ledesma, David Bevan and George Bowerman.

Butler's form is believed to have alerted a number of Championship clubs and League One sides to his possible availability this summer.

But the 27-year-old has led the way for the rest by agreeing new terms on a deal to tie him to the Banks's Stadium to 2013.

Smith said: "I'm really pleased that Andy sees his future here at Walsall. I'm looking forward to him captaining the team again next season.

"He's a very popular figure both among fans and in the dressing room. He leads by example and has great ability and an attitude to match.

"I was very keen to seal his long-term future so to do so less than a week after the season has finished is very pleasing."

Butler, who arrived on a free transfer from Huddersfield in November, is delighted to be extending his stint with the Saddlers.

He said: "It's great to have my future sorted out. I've loved every minute of my time at Walsall.

"The fans took to me straight away and to captain the side has been a real honour. Next season is all about kicking on and taking the club forward and I'm delighted I'll be here to play a part in that."

Butler emerged as a cult figure at Walsall, making 32 appearances as the club secured League One survival.

He swept the boards in the end-of-season awards, winning the Player of the Year and the Players' Player of the Season gongs.

Butler played over 150 games in Scunthorpe's rise from League Two to the Championship before moving to Huddersfield in the summer of 2008.

He established himself as a regular for the Terriers before moving to Blackpool on loan in January 2010, helping the Tangerines secure a place in the Premier League.