Carlisle United's Dan Butterworth has left the Blues to join one of their League Two rivals.

The attacker has joined Swindon Town on a permanent basis.

The Blues have confirmed the deal on transfer deadline day, with Swindon handing Butterworth a two-year deal.

Butterworth has been short of starting opportunities early in the 2024/25 campaign and manager Paul Simpson has allowed the ex-Blackburn Rovers man to head to Wiltshire.

Simpson, speaking on the club website, said: “Dan came to see me a couple of weeks ago and told me he wasn’t happy with his lack of playing time. 

“He said he wanted to leave, and this is a deal that suits both parties.

“We thank him for his efforts during his time with us and wish him all the best.” 

Butterworth has been limited to four substitute appearances this season, and in his time at Carlisle since the summer of 2023 has made 12 starts and 25 sub outings, scoring four goals.

Butterworth, who scored four goals last season, has struggled to hold down a starting place at UnitedButterworth, who scored four goals last season, has struggled to hold down a starting place at United (Image: Barbara Abbott)

The 24-year-old has told his new club that the move has been in the pipeline for a while.

 

"I'm happy to finally be here and get it over the line, it's a move that's been on the cards for a while so I'm delighted to finally get it done," he said.

"I think I'm quite a creative player, attacking-minded. I look to go forward all the time and hopefully, I can provide the goals and assists for the team."

Swindon's head of football Jamie Russell added: Danny is an exciting midfielder who we feel will add creativity and forward-thinking in the middle of the park to our side. 

"We’re very pleased to have secured his signature as we feel he has the right kind of attributes to suit the player we are looking to bring a creative spark to our system and think he will play a key role in our attacking options.

"Despite being 24, he has had experience at Championship and League One level and we feel he is at the right stage in his career to progress further as a player we look forward to seeing what he can bring for the 2024/25 season."

Butterworth could face the Blues next month when United take on Swindon at the County Ground on September 21.