September 9 2007

Danny Butterfield

Danny Butterfield is ready to leave Crystal Palace after being frozen out by manager Peter Taylor.

The right-back has had to make do with bench appearances after losing his place to Matt Lawrence.

Bad luck with injuries over the last three years has left the 27-year-old with few opportunities for a run in the side and regain his best form.

And the former Grimsby ace, who has 12 months left on his deal, has revealed he may have to quit Selhurst Park in order to play first team football.

"I'm very frustrated I haven't been playing," he said. "I thought I had a good pre-season. I was raring to go, but so far I've just been sat waiting for my chance. It's not been a pleasant time for me.

"If I'm offered a new deal, whether I sign it depends on whether or not I'm playing regular football. I don't intend to sign a contract at a club where I'm sat on the sidelines every week. My priority's to play football, wherever that may be. We'll just have to wait and see."

Butterfield, who joined from Grimsby in 2002, admits he's found it tough to accept life on the sidelines.

He said: "It helps having my girlfriend and daughter around to keep me happy. I've been pretty down, because all I've ever wanted to do is to play football.

"I haven't fallen out of love with the game, but it's been tough. You feel like you're on the outside looking in when you're not in the team. Some players get so disappointed that it affects their training, and it becomes like a vicious cycle. I don't want to get like that."