Andy Butler's impact applauded at Walsall
Defender Andy Butler was today hailed for his instant impact after Walsall recorded their first win of the League One season.
The former skipper, who rejoined the club on a month's loan from Sheffield United last week, went straight into the starting line-up for Saturday's clash with Preston – and the Saddlers went on to record a 3-1 victory.
Winger Anthony Forde believes Butler brought "good leadership" to the team.
Forde, who played against Butler for Wolves in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season, said: "It was my first game playing with him and he was brilliant.
"He brings a different presence to the team. He was top class. I knew of him before obviously and it is good to have him back. He's brought good leadership to the team and we needed a bit of that."
Butler had not played a minute in the league for the Blades but came through the full game on his return.
Forde said: "He has obviously wanted to come back and get some game time and help Walsall kick on and, hopefully, win the next few games.
"It was seamless. It looked as if he had been there all the time."
Manager Dean Smith had no qualms about throwing him straight into the starting line-up.
Smith said: "When a player who has done so much at this club before becomes available and we get him in, it lifts everyone and it certainly did that. You could tell that just on Friday in training.
"James O'Connor was excellent last week at centre-back and Liam Kinsella has played five or six games already and has surpassed probably what he even hoped for.
"I knew it was going to be a tough game against a powerful, strong team of men and I knew we maybe needed a bit more experience in there. I thought the backline did well."
Butler was involved in a flash-point, when Preston's Jordan Hugill was dismissed for sticking his head into the face of the former skipper.
