Jacob Butterfield joins the Iron in a player-coach role

Scunthorpe United is delighted to confirm that midfield maestro Jacob Butterfield has re-signed for the Iron as a player-coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

A player that needs no introduction to the Iron faithful, Butterfield joins the club after a two year spell away from the Attis Arena, where he spent time in a number of roles at fellow National League side Gateshead, ranging from player to coach and all the way up to interim manager at one stage.

A player who brings over 300 appearances of Championship experience to the Scunthorpe squad, Butterfield's professional career started in 2007 when he progressed through the Barnsley academy to make 80 appearances for the Yorkshire-based side, earning himself a move to Premier League side Norwich City in the summer of 2012.

After just three appearances with the Canaries across a range of cup competitions, the midfielder would depart East Anglia to join Middlesbrough on a long-term contract, where he would make just 32 appearances before returning to Yorkshire with Huddersfield Town, where he was voted the club's Player of the Season for the 2014–15 season, earning himself a multi-million pound transfer to Derby County where he would enjoyed the best spell of his career, making close to 100 appearances for the Rams over a four year period.

Following his time at Pride Park, Butterfield would firstly join Luton Town in 2019 before spending time in Australia and Scotland, representing Melbourne Victory and St Johnstone, respectively. However, these spells wouldn't last long as the now 36-year-old would put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Scunthorpe, going on to be an instant fan favourite amongst the Iron supporters and scoring 12 goals in 89 appearances in Claret and Blue.

Now, Butterfield joins United, looking to further his coaching career under the guidance of Manager Andy Butler and Assistant Manager John Schofield, as well as being ready to provide further competition to the Scunthorpe midfield.

Welcome back, Butts!

Transfer activity in the 2026-27 season is brought to you by the Potions Cauldron.