We take a look at the two new English players who will be pulling on the Victory jersey in 2020/21…
Central midfielder Jacob Butterfield has joined former teammate Callum McManaman at Melbourne Victory, as Grant Brebner continues to strengthen his squad for the coming season.
Between them, Butterfield and McManaman possess a wealth of experience having collectively made over 400 Championship appearances.
A big addition to our midfield. Welcome, @JLButterfield! #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 26, 2020
Callum McManaman
McManaman etched his name into the history books in 2013, when Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
The winger was awarded man-of-the-match against City and scored in the Latics’ semi-final win over Millwall – rounding the goalkeeper to seal Wigan’s fate.
McManaman made 26 Premier League appearances for Wigan Athletic before joining West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £4.75m in 2015.
Following a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, the FA Cup winner signed for Sunderland in 2017 before returning to Wigan a year later.
A little taste of what is to come this season #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/AeundJrZS9
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 13, 2020
Jacob Butterfield
Butterfield built a solid reputation as a Championship midfielder, making over 300 Football League appearances.
He made his professional debut for Barnsley in 2007 and played 100 games for the Reds, during five seasons at Oakwell.
The midfielder spent time at a number of clubs including Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town, before settling at Derby County in 2015.
During three years at Derby, Butterfield scored 8 goals in 80 league appearances – including 37 games in 2015/16, helping the Rams secure a play-off spot.
Looking forward to seeing Jacob in action next season #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/HSiUIAFQCT
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 26, 2020
Luton Town
Ahead of the 2019/20 season, Butterfield and McManaman careers aligned at Kenilworth Road – the home of newly-promoted Luton Town.
The Hatters recruited the duo in a bid to retain its Championship status, following a twelve-year absence from England’s second tier.
Butterfield and McManaman made 15 and 23 league appearances respectively as Luton avoided the drop.
In July 2020 the pair parted ways with the Championship side but will reunite in Melbourne.
