Striker Richard Butler has returned to Staines Town after a brief spell with Bromley, writes Stuart Moore.

Butler, who had only switched to the Swans’ Blue Square South rivals in January, was back in Staines’ colours for the 2-1 defeat by npower League Two side Lincoln City in their opening pre-season fixture on Saturday.

Despite scoring half-a-dozen goals for the Kent outfit, Bromley finished in the bottom half of Blue Square South last season while Staines only missed out on a play-off spot in the final week of the season and Butler was only too happy to sign again for Staines boss Steve Cordery.

“Things were not working out as planned at Bromley and the manager told me the budget was being cut for the current season,” said the former AFC Wimbledon striker.

“I still had a year to run on my contract but the revised deal was less than originally planned.

“They gave me the opportunity to strike a deal if I wished to leave and, despite some good interest from other clubs, the only call I wanted to make was to Cords.

“I enjoyed my stay at Bromley - they are a good bunch of lads - but things didn’t go as well as planned and I could see that the team here was going from strength to strength.

“Staines came so close to the play-offs last season and, with just about everybody still ehre and a little bit of extra quality added, I am looking forward to helping us push on and achieve something special this season.

“I feel we could have a big say at the top of the table.”

Butler played the first 45 minutes in Saturday’s searing heat and his snap-shot cannoned down off the bar to allow Scott Taylor to open the scoring.

However, Chris Sutton’s side ended up 2-1 winners in an excellent workout for both sides.