The reality, however, favoured the moaners, and we didn't see Butt produce anything like his Manchester United form in his first season.So much so Graeme Souness tried always to offload him to anybody who wanted him.
Sheffield United couldn't afford his £40,000-per-week wages, and Birmingham took the plunge ... but only on a loan deal. And his time at St Andrews was just as unpleasant as his first season on Tyneside.
But times have changed since his return, so much so many Toon supporters think he could end the campaign "Player Of The Season".
Meanwhile, Butt remains hopeful that his form this season will be enough to earn him fresh terms at St James' Park.
The 31-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and having won over an initially sceptical Toon faithful, he is keen to remain in the North East.
Butt: "When a new manager comes in you have to prove yourself no matter what age you are and no matter how much you've done.
"I think I have done that but hopefully the team will improve in the coming weeks because that's the most important thing.
"I want to stay here but that (contract talks) is ongoing at the moment and if that happens that's all well and good."