PETER Butler’s incredible levels of energy and aggression mean he will forever be remembered at Roots Hall.

But the former Southend United midfielder, who made more than 150 appearances for the Shrimpers during an impressive four year spell, is now spreading his footballing influence further afield.

And the 48-year-old currently finds himself manager of Botswana’s national team.

“I was headhunted for the role and flew out to Africa as I had just left a position in Malaysia and was ready to get back to work,” said Butler who has been in charge of the Soutern African outfit since February 2014.

“They offered me the position after an interview process and I didn’t go back home to Yorkshire for six months.

“We were in the African Cup Of Nations Qualifying stage which was an amazing experience travelling to play Tunisia, Egypt and Senegal and many other good teams so it’s a position I really enjoy.”

Butler has also helped to revitalise the Botswananside who are currently ranked just outside the world’s top 100 nations.

But the position is certainly not his first working on the continent.

“I’ve coached and managed teams in Malaysia (Peninsular and East) and Sabah and Kelantan are two very big clubs that can easily command 30,000 fans every week.

“I also coached in Burma, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and now Africa which is an amazing place to work.

“There are some great players everywhere you look and so much potential but it’s very challenging in more ways than you can think.”

However, despite enjoying the role, Butler, who played for Southend between 1988 and 1992, admits he misses the day to day interaction with players.

“If I’m honest I prefer club coaching and managing compared to do doing the same international teams as you’re inactive for long periods, something I don’t like,” said Butler.

“But I still love what I do and I am totally hands on with whoever I coach or manage.”

That also included a spell at Halifax Town in 2000, where Butler’s coaching career began.

And, while he is not ruling out a return to the English game at some point in the future, his main aim is take charge of an even bigger national team.

“You can never say never about coming back to the UK,” said Butler.

“I live in Botswana but my family - Michelle , Louis , Chester and Rubie - live in West Yorkshire where our home is so it is tough.

“I do always look to see what is happening but the English managers scene is crazy.

“Coaches and managers just keep getting regurgitated into the next job down the road.

“I certainly don’t hanker for it because I am doing something I love in a special part of the world and I’m making a difference to many young and poor people’s lives which means a lot to me.

“My long term goals are to therefore keep coaching as long as I can and hopefully coach a bigger international team to success in maybe a Cup Of Nations or qualification for a World Cup.

“It’s not impossible because anything can happen in Africa and we all just need a break at the right time.”

Butler certainly got that opportunity in his own playing career as his eye catching displays with Southend led to him playing in the Premier League with West Ham United.

And he will forever be grateful to the Shrimpers.

“Playing for Southend was probably the happiest time of my football career as that gave me the platform to go on and play for West Ham which was immense,” said Butler.

“Southend’s result is still one of the first I look for wherever I am in Africa.

“I actually know Phil Brown as well and he is doing a good job in charge. I certainly hope they can get promotion this season because Southend had a big part in my career and my son Louie was born there too so he’s an Essex boy too!”

But that was one just one of many happy memories that Butler enjoyed with Blues as David Webb’s side memorably won back to back promotions to work their way into what is now known as the Championship.

“Getting back to back promotions was a huge highlight and seeing the club evolve was nice to see,” recalled Butler.

“I was part of the Vic Jobson/David Webb era and they were real characters who did a great deal for the club.

“They were both wheeler and dealer old school chairman and managers and we had a great journey together so I look back with great affection and pride.

“I had a wonderful time at Roots Hall played a lot of football.

“We had many ups and a few downs, but I made some great friends who I am still in touch with today and we took the club to the brink of the old first division which is obviously the Premier League now.

“They were great times and great memories which I will never forget.”