Defender Maxim Kouogun has turned down a new contract at Glanford Park and will be leaving Scunthorpe United this summer.
In an in-depth pre-season interview with the club’s media team, Butler revealed that the club made efforts to keep Kouogun at Scunthorpe, but the player has opted to move on.
“We offered Max a contract and he’s rejected it,” Butler confirmed, adding, “That’s football.”
The 24-year-old centre-back was a key figure in last season’s promotion-winning campaign, helping to secure promotion back to the National League after a difficult few years.
Butler paid tribute to Kouogun’s contribution across his two seasons at the club, praising the defender’s commitment and consistency.
“Max has been an outstanding servant for the club,” he said. “The two years he’s been here, he’s put his body on the line. You know what you’re going to get from Max—day in, day out, week in, week out.”
“No one player is bigger than the club—I’m not bigger than the club,” Butler added. “We’ve got a budget to stick to, and we need to respect that. We wish Max all the best and hopefully he has a long and successful career.”
Kouogun’s departure adds to the list of key players leaving the club this summer, but Butler moved quickly to fill the defensive void bringing in former Gateshead defender Jean Belehouan on a two year deal.
“He’s come in and he looks like a leader, doesn’t stop talking, encourages,” Butler said of the new signing.
“He’s a strong, powerful, and quick athlete. I think he’s one of the quickest players in the league. He just wants to enjoy his football.”
Iron fans will hope to see Kouogun’s replacement in action this Friday as they take on Bottesford Town in their first pre season friendly.
