Butcher made his last appearance for Macclesfield on 3 January

Macclesfield Town have postponed Saturday's League Two fixture against Burton Albion following the death of midfielder Richard Butcher.

The club made a joint decision with Burton and the Football League as a mark of respect to the 29-year-old, whose death was announced on Monday.

Wednesday's reserve match with Accrington has also been postponed.

A book of condolence has been opened up at the Moss Rose for the public to pay their respects or lay mementos.

To add to the tragedy, Butcher's death came just 10 months since the loss of his former Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander, who signed him on five separate occasions, three times for Lincoln City, as well as for Peterborough and Macc.

Rance told the club website: "We've already spoken to the Football League and they have been very supportive.

"When Keith passed away there was a definite 'we'll do this for the gaffer' sentiment that came to the surface.

Richard Butcher was one of the lads. In many ways I think it is going to hit the players a lot harder Macclesfield chairman Mike Rance

"I just think this time it's different. Richard was one of the lads. In many ways I think it is going to hit them a lot harder.

"This is an incredibly tough time. A family has lost their husband, son, brother. And we've lost someone who we will miss so much. It really is difficult to take in."

Macc have now retired Butcher's number 21 shirt in honour of their former player.

The loss has been equally hard to take at Lincoln, one of his eight former clubs, where Butcher played in both the Imps' League Two play-off final appearances under Alexander in 2003 and 2005.

Former Imps chairman Rob Bradley told BBC Lincolnshire: "Richard personified the Keith Alexander era.

"He had a lot of skill and was good tactically but it was the effort that he put in.

"He wanted to do well for Lincoln and he was a fans' favourite as well."

Butcher's former Lincoln team-mate Simon Yeo, also part of the Imps' two beaten play-off final teams, said: "He was one of the lads straight away.

"He was a lively character and we all bonded together.

Everyone who knew Richard Butcher will be happy that they did because he was a special person Lincoln City skipper Scott Kerr

"Most of that team stuck together and remained friends and we kept in touch and still went out together.

"He got on well with the lads and he certainly got on well with the fans".

Imps captain Scott Kerr, who played alongside Butcher in his third spell at Sincil Bank, said: "I'm absolutely devastated.

"He was just such a nice person. Everyone who knew him will be happy that they did because he was a special person.

"Even when he wasn't in the team he'd still come to training with a smile on his face and give his all.

"He was a box-to-box player. He got goals and had a great engine."

BBC Lincolnshire match summariser Steve Thompson, who signed Butcher while manager of Notts County, added: "You couldn't meet a more honest professional.

"He was a gentleman and a joy to work with as a player.

"He took pride in the way he played and always had time for people, especially supporters."

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