United in the semi-finals. Butcher played the full ninety minutes of the final but could not help Lincoln from losing to AFC Bournemouth 5–2. During the 2003–2004 season Lincoln reached the Play-offs yet again but were defeated by Huddersfield Town in the semi-final. The 2004–2005 campaign saw The Imps qualify for a third successive Play-off spot and after dumping Macclesfield Town out in the semi-final, City were beaten 2–0 by Southend United. Oldham Athletic August 2005 rang in a new era for Butcher when he joined Football League One side Oldham Athletic who were managed by Ronnie Moore. He made his debut for The Latics on the opening day of the 2005–2006 season in a 2–0 victory over Yeovil Town. However, despite figuring in nearly every game up until October he was loaned back to Lincoln City for a month in which he played 4 games, scoring once. Butcher returned to Oldham and completed the rest of the season making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring 4 goals. Peterborough United Butcher was reunited with Keith Alexander when he signed a contract with Peterborough United where he was one of a number of former Lincoln players brought to London Road by United's recently appointed manager. Alexander and Butcher both left United after one season. Notts County Football League Two side Notts County came in for Butcher when his Peterborough contract had run its course and he signed a deal with the Meadow Lane side. Butcher played two seasons with County and worked under Ian McParland. During his time at Notts County, Butcher contributed 18 league goals which played a major role in the team's fight against relegation. Return to Lincoln City On 27 May 2009 Butcher signed a two-year deal at Lincoln City for a third spell, he was Peter Jackson's first signing of the summer. However the club soon after parted company with manager Peter Jackson and his replacement Chris Sutton rarely used him in the first team. Butcher was made available for loan in the new year and departed Sincil Bank in February. Macclesfield Town He re-joined Keith Alexander in February 2010 for a third spell this time with Macclesfield Town, scoring on his debut in a 2–1 defeat to Bury. On 3 March 2010 Alexander suddenly died at home following the club's away match with Notts County. This had come little over a month since Alexander had brought