Garth Butler - Leicester scout who spotted Vardy, has passed away at 76 years old

[moore_94]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/football-scout-who-spotted-talent-5099324

 

Football scout who spotted talent of Leicester City star Jamie Vardy has died

He recommended Vardy after watching him play in a non-league match

 

(Garth is second from right)

 

The football scout who spotted the star quality in England and Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has died.

Garth Butler, who recommended the Foxes have another look at Vardy, died at the age of 76 after becoming ill with a blood disorder.

Garth, who was born and bred in Loughborough, died on February 22.

His brother Roger was with Garth when he was sent out to check out Vardy, who was playing for non-league Fleetwood Town against Kidderminster Harriers

“It was a night match and the club had asked Garth to have a look at this lad called Jamie Vardy,” said Roger, 83.

“Vardy was playing for a poor team and did not get the service but you could see he was head and shoulders above every other player on the pitch.

“Garth told Leicester City that he had real pace and also had something about him too. They asked Garth to have another look at him in another game so he did. .“He recommended Vardy to the club. The club took his advice and the rest is history.”

During his early working life Garth was involved in the family firms Butlers Taxis and then Butlers Coaches in Loughborough.

Garth, who never married, was also involved in local football management and was a familiar figure at the area’s non-league venues.
But it was in later years that his passion for the game saw him becoming involved in scouting, initially for Notts County under Neil Warnock, followed by spells at Hull City, Leeds United, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion, where he became friends with Craig Shakespeare.

When the latter left that club to join Nigel Pearson at Leicester City, Garth followed.

Roger said: “Garth got to know a lot of people in the game, and was on nodding terms with some of League football’s senior figures.
“He also had a passion for speedway and once took a coach party to the World Championships in Poland at a time when the Soviet Union was still in power.

“Passing through Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin was one of the highlights of the journey.”

Garth’s working relationship with Leicester City ended with the departure of Nigel Pearson’s back room team in 2015 and he retired at the age of 70.
Roger said: “He knew he would miss the job but everything comes to an end eventually.

“He was a quiet unassuming man who you could always have a laugh and a joke with.

“He was very modest about the role he played in launching Jamie Vardy’s career he said he was just doing his job.. He scouted quite a lot of other players too but Vardy stands out.

“Garth was a football fan and a Leicester City supporter. He loved his football and was delighted to see them win the league.

“I don’t think he thought he would see that in his lifetime.

“I’m so glad he did.

“When I watch Jamie Vardy play on TV I feel so proud to know that my brother spotted his talent all those years ago.”
Garth Butler’s private funeral is on March 22nd.

[Stadt]

It’s a shame you only hear of people like this when they pass away. To finally end up working for the club you support during a long career in the game must have been fantastic - especially leaving a legacy like scouting Vardy. Rest in peace Garth.

[Solihullfox]

The man can be very proud, RIP

[Paninistickers]

Love the little story about the speedway trip to communist Poland via Berlin

 

What a trip! 

 

For those too young to remember the old eastern bloc, it was along the lines of travelling to North Korea now - all.spies, secret police, bugged rooms and a culture devoid of western consumerism 

[HighPeakFox]

Thank you Mr Butler, what an achievement.

[Crazy Kop Corner]

I knew Garth in 1982/83 when he must have just started scouting for Notts County. He was a fantastic guy and I pass on my condolences to his family and friends. 

[KingsX]

There were other clubs very interested, but only we were willing to break the million pound barrier for a non league player.  Garth Butler must have had significant influence and respect within the club hierarchy to get us to be the ones who did so.

 

This has been posted numerous times, but (assuming it is the match Garth Butler attended) on topic here.

 

 

[The_77]

I feel bad that I've only just learned this man's name now after he's passed. I'm glad to read about how proud Roger is of his brother Garth's life and contributions to Leicester City Football Club. I hope Garth is always remembered for playing such an important role in the club's greatest signing.

[trabuch]

We owe him a lot.

[HybridFox]

I hope we see something from the club on this. As some have mentioned, I wish we got to learn of the great work that goes on behind the scenes and those responsible before they sadly leave us. Rest in peace Garth 

[UpTheLeagueFox]

Lovely to hear his story but sad news of his passing.

Not sure why this bit was relevant though...

 

5 hours ago, moore_94 said:

Garth, who never married

 

[HoChiMinhFOX]

Man's a hero. Played a huge part in achieving our wildest dreams! Rest in peace.

[Innovindil]

When we think of winning the league and our recent success we think of the players we've had and the managers and owners. Always nice to get a reminder that it took plenty more people each doing their own small part to make something so fantastic happen.

 

Cheers for your part in it all Garth. RIP.

[bluebeau]

I remember Garth from my schooldays, he was the same age as myself  so we were in the same year. He was a very quiet lad, very shy & kept himself to himself.  Then years later I remember seeing him as a bus & taxi driver working for the family firm.

 

What a terrific achievment to have spotted Jamie Vardy & influencing City to sign him. £1 million quid for a unknown non-league player, a lot of money back then,  but you could say he turned out to be somewhat of a bargain!

 

Being a Loughborough lad , it's a shame that he never got recognition for the part he played in spotting our greatest ever player.

 

Sorry to learn that he has passed away & I am sorry that I never got to thank him for spotting Jamie.

R.I.P. Garth,  condolences to the family.

I would guess the The Birch will be at the funeral to represent the Football Club?

[Vlad the Fox]

9 hours ago, UpTheLeagueFox said:

Lovely to hear his story but sad news of his passing.

Not sure why this bit was relevant though...

 

 

I suppose the reports usually go something like “Garth who leaves behind his wife, Jean, and sons David and Tony”. But obviously he never married hence the line. Though like you said maybe not necessarily relevant given the context of the report. 

[Kilworthfox]

The question this poses for me is, if you have an asset who can pick players who go on to be worth more than their fee, why would they lose their job in 2015?

 

Sad news, but that's life, and at least he is remembered by his club and supporters. 

[Stoopid]

3 hours ago, Vlad the Fox said:

I suppose the reports usually go something like “Garth who leaves behind his wife, Jean, and sons David and Tony”. But obviously he never married hence the line. Though like you said maybe not necessarily relevant given the context of the 

Strange to mention it though. 

 

Edited 10 March 2021 by Stoopid

[AjcW]

Wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of tribute from JV at some point. Many have mentioned how we owe Garth a lot..... but blimey I bet JV feels like he owes Garth a hell of a lot more! 

[David Hankey]

Well spotted, Garth. R.I.P.

[sbutler72]

Thanks for all the heart warming posts everyone. Garth was my uncle and he spent many years scouting for various clubs. He once told me he took a very young Dion Dublin to Notts County for a try out but they didn't see any potential in him, lol. He would often say there were so many players he would go to watch, many with skill on the ball (...and many without), many that could run the ball down the wing with lightning pace leaving the opposition in their wake, but then there was no end product, they'd just keep running!, haha. It's not often you find a player with the natural potential to play at such a high level. I can only imagine how funny he would find all the attention his passing has received, but it's great to know that so many fans appreciate that although there are fantastic players out there, it takes a whole team, including all the admin/coaches/back room staff you never hear about, to make it all come together. Garth's funeral is on Monday so if you can spare him a thought Monday morning our family would appreciate it! Take care everyone

Edited 17 March 2021 by sbutler72

[sbutler72]

On 09/03/2021 at 15:37, Crazy Kop Corner said:

I knew Garth in 1982/83 when he must have just started scouting for Notts County. He was a fantastic guy and I pass on my condolences to his family and friends. 

He used to take me and my dad with him to Notts County games in the late 70's/early 80's (I remember going to see them play Southampton when Kevin Keegan was a player for them, so maybe early 80's?). Anyway, I always recall this fella he would often speak with before the game who had kind of crooked teeth (I was only about 8/9 years old at the time). All these years later I realise that must have been Jimmy Sirrel.

Edited 17 March 2021 by sbutler72

[fox in the sox]

Steve Walsh got a lot of credit but this is a reminder that nobody can do well without a good team around them- initial recommendations no doubt come from the many scouts the club have.

[cruzFOX]

God bless to Garth and his family.

When the Vardy movie is finally scripted and the characters listed I hope unsung heroes like Garth’s character get atleast a brief mention.

These small but important details make the fabric of the greatest sporting story ever told.

[Crazy Kop Corner]

18 hours ago, sbutler72 said:

He used to take me and my dad with him to Notts County games in the late 70's/early 80's (I remember going to see them play Southampton when Kevin Keegan was a player for them, so maybe early 80's?). Anyway, I always recall this fella he would often speak with before the game who had kind of crooked teeth (I was only about 8/9 years old at the time). All these years later I realise that must have been Jimmy Sirrel.

He did the same with me and my dad. I remember it was a café in Nottingham and then a tour of the ground and then great seats in the main stand. Me and my dad still talk about it to this day. 

 

Was Garth a Leicester Supporter? 

 

It's that I remember us playing Notts County first game of the 1983 / 1984 season and they beat us 4 - 0 and a guy called John Chiedozie ran riot. 

 

I was only 12 and I was absolutely gutted and Mr Butler was merciless in his taking the mickey of me. 

 

It must have been his absolute professionalism in supporting his employer but he was very convincing I remember. It never crossed my mind that he supported us. 

[sbutler72]

5 hours ago, Crazy Kop Corner said:

He did the same with me and my dad. I remember it was a café in Nottingham and then a tour of the ground and then great seats in the main stand. Me and my dad still talk about it to this day. 

 

Was Garth a Leicester Supporter? 

 

It's that I remember us playing Notts County first game of the 1983 / 1984 season and they beat us 4 - 0 and a guy called John Chiedozie ran riot. 

 

I was only 12 and I was absolutely gutted and Mr Butler was merciless in his taking the mickey of me. 

 

It must have been his absolute professionalism in supporting his employer but he was very convincing I remember. It never crossed my mind that he supported us. 

I don't really think of him as a hard supporter of any particular club, although he obviously took a keen interest in the local ones. We did go to see Notts County a lot in the early 80's, but I guess he was scouting for them at the time. I suppose he would have been loyal to his employer, but I remember him as simply a big fan of the game. I guess you'd have to be in order to travel all those miles to see those obscure lower league night matches! He always carried a sense of humour around with him though, always cracking the jokes

Edited 18 March 2021 by sbutler72