Walsall captain Andy Butler is edging ever close to 'Decision Day', as the one-year contract extension clause which is in his favour, must be triggered in the very near future;As revealed during January's 'Fan's Focus' meeting, 30-year-old Butler has until 1st May to decide whether or not to take up an option for a further year with the club.
Both Butler, and manager Dean Smith have recently confirmed talks are ongoing, with Smith indicating the possibility of an extension to the deadline, or a completely new deal being put on the table.
Smith told the Express & Star; "Andy’s contract is up at the end of the season but he has an option to extend should he wish to. I have already spoken to Andy and talks will be ongoing. There is no time scale at all. His contract is up at the end of the season and he has got that option."
Butler, who began his career with Scunthorpe United, is rumoured to be interested in returning to play in the area after four-years away, and is said to have held tentative discussions with clubs in the region.
Despite the above, and the news he moved to a house in North Yorkshire last summer, Butler has been at pains to point out how little difference that has made to his club life, telling the Express & Star; "I have heard people asking about my travelling but it has been a year now. It’s been good, we have a good car pool and time travels fast. That has not been a problem, it is not an issue."
The Doncaster born defender has also confirmed his desire to stay with the Saddlers, but admitted he'd also like to know what is planned for the future before committing to a deal, telling the press; “I'm talking to Dean now and hopefully we get something sorted soon. I've had a few chats with him and we will see what happens.
“I've enjoyed my time here. The last three-and-a-half years have been brilliant for me. They have made me a better player than I ever was before. I'm still enjoying myself. I just need to talk to the gaffer now to see what is happening.
“I don’t want to say I'm not staying because I do like this place. The gaffer has been good to me and I do enjoy it. It’s just a few little things I have to talk to the gaffer about."
Do the signs point to Butler agreeing terms and staying put, or is the club about to lose it's captain?
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