Andy Butler wants to shine on Walsall return

The former captain completed a shock return to the Saddlers yesterday, when he joined on a month's emergency loan deal from Sheffield United less than three months after signing a two-year deal with the Yorkshire club.

Butler, a hugely influential figure during his three-and-a-half years in the Midlands, had previously rejected the chance to stay at the Banks's over the summer citing the pressures of commuting from his Yorkshire home as the key reason.

But he has featured just once for his new club this term and admits he has found sitting on the sidelines tough. The commanding centre-back is keen to starting playing regularly again and hopes supporters will take him back into their hearts.

"I left and hopefully they can forgive me for leaving," he said, when asked if he had a message for the fans.

"It wasn't purely money - that is not an issue. I know a lot has been made about my wages but it is not that much difference, it was purely the fact I wanted to see my kids and pick them up from school, I have been relying on my Dad to pick them up.

"As things have worked out, I am relying on my Dad to pick the kids up again. But as long as I have a smile on my face, my Dad is happy to do that.

"It has been difficult not playing. It has impacted on my family a little bit because I have been depressed and they have borne the brunt of it.

"As long as I am playing and smiling, they don't mind."

Butler, who will wear the number 44 shirt, goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's home game with Preston as the Saddlers hunt their first win of the season.

"It is a month's loan and then we will see where it is after that," he added. "If I'm doing well, hopefully, we might do the same again but that is down to Sheffield United and Walsall.

"We will see how things go."