Tampines compete in the S.League, the top-flight of the Southeast Asian country’s football system, and Butler has signed up until the end of the season in November.
The midfielder put pen to paper after a successful trial period and has realised a lifelong ambition in doing so.
“I have always wanted to test myself overseas in a professional competition so in that regard I’m very happy,” he says.
“It feels great to get an opportunity like this, especially at a big club like Tampines Rovers. The staff and players have been great so far and remind me a lot of the people at Waitakere.”
Butler, 29, has been seen predominantly in the colours of either Waitakere United in the ASB Premiership or Waitakere City in the Lotto NRFL for the majority of his senior career and is planning to return to Fred Taylor Park following his Singapore sojourn.
“We all know how much I love the club,” he says.
“Hopefully, this will benefit Waitakere in any future playing or coaching role I may have within the club as it will expand my football knowledge further.”
Butler heard of Tampines’ interest through an agent and the move was completed swiftly after his arrival in Singapore.
“They were looking for a midfielder and liked some video footage they had seen of me.
I was then invited over to see the club and train for a couple of days, before agreeing terms and signing a contract,” he says.
The three-cap All White has become accustomed to lifting silverware on a regular basis as Waitakere skipper and appears to have joined the ideal club as he looks to continue that trend.
Tampines Rovers are one of the most successful outfits in Singapore and have won the S.League five times since its formation in 1996, a record bettered only by the eight titles of Warriors. The Stags are also very well-resourced and are renowned for their fanatical support, known as the Yellow Brigade.
They are contenders for the title again this season and are looking to win the league for the fourth time in a row.
Turning professional is the latest in a string of memorable achievements for Butler, who led Waitakere to an unprecedented four straight ASB Premiership titles after becoming captain and has won the OFC Champions League with the Red and Whites on two occasions.
He represented New Zealand ‘A’ before receiving his first call up to the All Whites squad for the OSN Cup in Saudi Arabia last August. Butler was also involved in New Zealand’s ill-fated intercontinental playoff against Mexico for a place at the FIFA World Cup but did not take the field during the 9-3 aggregate loss.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

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