 He was promoted to the club's first team during the summer of 1999 when the club was under the management tenure of Ian Atkins, however Atkins departed early on into Butcher's first senior season and was replaced by Kevin Wilson.In March 2000, 8 months after becoming a pro he was released by Northampton Town having failed to make an appearance.After his release from Northampton, Butcher was signed by Brian Talbot's Conference National side Rushden & Diamonds.