Paul Butler

Date of birth02 November 1972
Place of birthManchester
NationalityIrish
Weight83 kg
Height1.88 m
PositionDefender/Centre back

With the arrival of Stanislav Varga and Emmerson Thome at Sunderland in 2000-01, Paul found the task of holding down a regular first-team slot somewhat difficult.

Although he started as first choice alongside Varga, he soon lost out to Jody Craddock and was restricted to appearances in the Worthington Cup.

In November, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan and made an immediate impact, striking the bar on his debut against Blackburn and giving the defence a more assured look.

The Wanderers were anxious to recruit him but a permanent deal was delayed due to a change in management.

However, once Dave Jones was installed as boss he was duly signed up and carried on where he had left off.

Unfortunately he was sidelined shortly afterwards by a torn muscle in his groin and the injury required corrective surgery.

A big strong-tackling central defender, he is decisive in the tackle and more than useful in the air.

Paul joined Leeds United in July 2004 with a two-year contract that was extended to June 2007 in July 2005.

Paul was made available for transfer by Leeds United in November 2006 before his contract was cancelled in January 2007.

He then joined Milton Keynes Dons with a contract to the end of the season.

Paul joined Chester City in July 2007 with a one-year contract that was extended to June 2009 in July 2008.

Club history

Team Joined Left Loan / Trialist
Rochdale 05 Jul 1991 22 Jul 1996
Bury 22 Jul 1996 15 Jul 1998
Sunderland 15 Jul 1998 31 Jan 2001
Wolverhampton Wanderers 17 Nov 2000 16 Dec 2000 L
Wolverhampton Wanderers 31 Jan 2001 30 Jun 2004
Leeds United 02 Jul 2004 02 Jan 2007
Milton Keynes Dons 21 Nov 2006 01 Jan 2007 L
Milton Keynes Dons 04 Jan 2007 15 Mar 2007
Chester City 25 Jul 2007

Club stats

Season Team Competition Apps Subs Goals Y R
1997-98 Bury League Cup 2
1998-99 Sunderland FA Cup 1
1998-99 Sunderland League Cup 6
1
1
1999-00 Sunderland FA Cup 2
2
1999-00 Sunderland League Cup 2
1999-00 Sunderland Premier League 31
1
1
6
2000-01 Sunderland League Cup 3
1
2000-01 Sunderland Premier League 3
2000-01 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Division 1 12
2
2001-02 Wolverhampton Wanderers FA Cup 1
2001-02 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Cup 1
2001-02 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Division 1 43
1
6
1
2001-02 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Division 1 Play-Offs 2
1
2002-03 Wolverhampton Wanderers FA Cup 4
1
2002-03 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Cup 2
2
2002-03 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Division 1 31
1
1
6
2002-03 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Division 1 Play-Offs 3
1
2003-04 Wolverhampton Wanderers FA Cup 2
1
2003-04 Wolverhampton Wanderers League Cup 2
2003-04 Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League 37
1
7
2004-05 Leeds United League Championship 39
3
2
2004-05 Leeds United League Cup 2
2005-06 Leeds United FA Cup 2
2005-06 Leeds United League Championship 44
3
7
2005-06 Leeds United League Championship Play-Offs 1
2005-06 Leeds United League Cup 1
2006-07 Leeds United League Championship 16
1
4
2006-07 Leeds United League Cup 1
2006-07 Milton Keynes Dons FA Cup 1
2006-07 Milton Keynes Dons League Two 17
2
2007-08 Chester City FA Cup 1
2007-08 Chester City Johnstones Paint Trophy 1
2007-08 Chester City League Cup 1
2007-08 Chester City League Two 35
2
7
2008-09 Chester City League Cup 1
2008-09 Chester City League Two 1


Please note: Career stats are based on performances in the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.

Club matches

Date Match Result Competition Round
16 Sep 1997 Sunderland v Bury L 2-1 League Cup 2nd round 1st leg
23 Sep 1997 Bury v Sunderland L 1-2
Agg: 2-4
League Cup 2nd round 2nd leg


Please note: Match history is complete for the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.

International stats

Season Team Competition Apps Subs Goals Y R
1999-00 Republic of Ireland International Friendly 1


Please note: Career stats are based on performances in the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.

International matches

Date Match Result Competition Round
23 Feb 2000 Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic W 3-2 International Friendly


Please note: Match history is complete for the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.