Caretaker-manager Ian McParland has paid tribute to Macclesfield Town midfielder Richard Butcher, who died on Sunday. The 29-year-old, who passed away in his sleep, was in McParland’s side during his time as Notts County manager.

McParland said: “When I took over at Notts County, Butch was a member of the playing staff. I got a phone call on Monday night from Dave Kevan, my assistant manager, telling me what had happened. It’s unbelievable.

“He was such a nice lad, a fantastic lad in the dressing room, 29-years-of-age. He was infectious in the dressing room. Everybody liked him. Every player, if you ask him about Richard Butcher, they’d say what a fantastic lad he was.

“He was the fittest man in the squad, a midfield player. In the season I took over at Notts County we were third-bottom of League Two and Butch scored 12 goals and was the top scorer. His goals kept Notts County in the Football League. He was a fantastic lad. My heart goes out to his whole family and everybody connected with him.”

McParland says he was also close to Rushden and Diamonds keeper Dale Roberts, who took his own life last month: “Young Dale Roberts from Rushden and Diamonds was one of my players at Nottingham Forest. He played in the reserves and the youths there, and that was tragic as well.

“It does put things in perspective. It’s very sad and it’s not until things like that happen that everybody realises that some things maybe aren’t so important.”

Photo: Action Images

rayman_10 added 08:33 - Jan 12 RIP Richard, thoughts are with your family and friends, football can be a tragic sport sometimes, he's too young to go.
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:40 - Jan 12 very sad.Thoughts to all who knew him RIP
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JewellintheTown added 09:08 - Jan 12 Ditto to McP's last paragraph - puts things in perspective. 29 is no age. RIP Richard
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bluelady added 09:09 - Jan 12 agree with this article totally, does put things in perspective both very sad events.......
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SurreyITFC added 09:12 - Jan 12 RIP Richard Butcher - Thoughts to your Family and all who knew you.
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trueblue added 09:55 - Jan 12 So sad that such a young man goes before his time, RIP
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Back_The_Boss added 13:56 - Jan 12 Very sad indeed. RIP.
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Acen added 15:30 - Jan 12 RIP Richard, tragic loss for football, your friends and your family.
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devontractorboy added 19:34 - Jan 12 Puts things in perspective doesn't it, I have a son the same age. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends. Rest in peace Richard.
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