'I am a fighter, I will see this through' — Butler in a new battle with cancer
On the green carpet he is a master craftsman. Under his planning and guidance, Bangladesh women's football has achieved one success after another. The man who wrote new history in the country's football through Sabina and Rituparna, Peter Butler, is now facing the toughest battle of his life.
Cancer has been detected in the body of this English coach of the Bangladesh women's football team. But like on the field, the 60-year-old coach is unwilling to accept defeat in the battle of life. He believes he can overcome this difficult time with a fighting mentality.
Towards the end of last October, Butler fell ill and returned to his home country England on leave. Since then, his physical condition has not improved much. There is also uncertainty about when he will be able to return to the dugout.
Speaking about his physical condition to a news outlet, Butler said, 'I cannot say anything specific right now. But I have been diagnosed with cancer. I am a fighter. I will see this through to the end.'
But despite his resolve to fight, he is currently going through a very difficult time physically. Butler said he will have to stay away from football for quite some time to recover and receive treatment.
Bangladesh's women's team will play two friendly matches against Singapore on December 1 and 5. As per Butler's plan, the team is holding a residential camp at the KEPZ ground in Chattogram to prepare for this series. Training has been going on under assistant coach Abul Hossain since October 30.
Even while staying in England, Butler had been regularly giving instructions through a WhatsApp group.
However, because of his current physical condition, the Bangladesh Football Federation has decided to keep an alternative person in charge of the team for now. The federation has also taken Butler's permission on this matter.
On the matter, Butler said, 'They asked me for permission. I said, no problem. I understand the situation. Who knows, maybe I will return. Because I am not one to give up.'
Meanwhile, the English coach has also expressed satisfaction with the role of BFF president Tabith Awal. On the other hand, while speaking to the media, Tabith Awal also wished Butler a speedy recovery.
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to leave the country for Singapore on November 29. The BFF wants to hand over responsibility to an interim coach before that.
In this regard, the name of French coach Eric Meyer is the most discussed. Talks between the BFF and this UEFA 'A' licence holder coach, born in 1971, are almost at the final stage. He has experience working at various regional clubs in France before.
