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Any possible permanent transfer of Martin Butler to the Bulls would have been blocked by current FIFA rules.
The rules prevent any player from being on contract to more than two clubs that are subject to the transfer windows in any 12 month period. It is the same rule that is currently blocking the proposed transfer of Daniel Cousin from Rangers to Fulham.
Butler spent the first half of the season on contract at Walsall, and signed a permanent 18 month deal with Grimsby when the transfer window opened. He is therefore, under the current rules, unable to sign for any more sides this season other than on loan. Former Peterboro and Notts County defender Guy Branston finds himself under a similar problem, having had contracts with both sides in the last few months.
Clubs outside the transfer window, being those below the Conference North/South level, are not subject to the rules and can sign players at will. One way to circumvent the rules is for a player to sign to such a club outside the window, then agree a loan to their preferred club.
