 On 6 November 2001, Butler was stretchered off during Reading's 2–0 win over Wrexham, suffering serious damage to his ankle.He broke his ankle and fibula, and suffered ligament damage competing for a ball on the touchline after his foot stuck in the ground.He did not play again until April 2002 against Peterborough United, but his goals that season still helped Reading to get promoted to the First Division in 2nd place.