Andy Butler signs new contract at Walsall

Butler won player of the season and players' player of the season awards

Walsall captain Andy Butler has signed a two-year deal at the Banks's Stadium.

The 27-year-old defender has made 32 appearances for the League One side this season since joining in November from Blackpool.

"It's great to have my future sorted out," Walsall's player of the season told the official club website.

"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."

Butler began his career at Scunthorpe United, where he played more than 150 games, before moving to Huddersfield in the summer of 2008.

He then went on loan to Blackpool for the 2009/10 campaign and after signing for the Tangerines in January 2010 was part of the squad that gained promotion to the Premier League.

The Saddlers have also confirmed the list of players retained for next season.

Jimmy Walker, Matt Richards, Julian Gray, Emmanuel Ledesma, David Bevan and George Bowerman will all be offered new deals, but striker Darren Byfield heads the list of players being released.

Jonny Brain, Clayton McDonald, Steve Jones, Paul Marshall, Tom Williams, Alex Hickman and Sean Geddes are also leaving the club.