Butt joined Birmingham on a season's loan after his season at Newcastle became a mess. Sir Bobby Robson signed him, then after a few weeks of the new season, the ex-England manager found himself out on his backside and Butt struggled ever since. Angry Toon fans questioning his commitment after a none-performance in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to former club Manchester United last April. And clips off him joking with Sir Alex Ferguson after the match may have been taken out of proportion, but many fans have long memories.
Although there was the option of making the move to St Andrews permanent, the former Red Devil insisted he had a getout clause if the Blues were relegated so he could return to Tyneside.
Butt still has another year left on his £55,000-a-week United contract, and who would be prepared to take him, especially as both Toon AND Brum fans would be delighted to see the back of him?
Apparently United chairman Freddie Shepherd is hoping to trim the club's wage bill if the Magpies fail to qualify for the UEFA Cup. And Butt is a player he could do without.
The big earners are Michael Owen, Kieron Dyer, Jean-Alain Boumsong, Scott Parker, Lee Bowyer, Emre and Shay Given. And let's be honest here ... because of injuries (or whatever) ... only the United goalkeeper can seriously say he has given full value for money this past season.