"He's put a lot of hard work in, as has everyone, to get us where we are. He's always said he wanted the chance to carry on what he has started and it gives the players a real positive. There are 10 games to go and it's a real boost. There are no sidetracks now. We know he'll be here and he'll be driving home to us the importance of focusing on promotion now.
"It's great timing by the chairman and we can use it to kick-on now. You want stability at the club, there's been a few managers here over the years, but the gaffer first came here in 2003 and he could be here until 2009 at the earliest now. That can only be good for the club and everyone concerned."
Blackwell has been linked with other jobs in the past, Southampton, Derby, Leicester and Sheffield United have all eyed him up according to certain press articles, and Butler says the uncertainty will now disappear.
"This brings an end to it all now," he said. "Last year when there was talk about Cardiff coming in for me the gaffer was at the forefront of keeping me here. When I got a new contract I was in a position, like Neil Sullivan and a few others, where our contracts were longer than the gaffer's. He was unconcerned and said his time would come. Now it has, and we're all pleased for him.
"The gaffer had always said he wanted to get the season out of the way, but this was all done in a day. There won't be any distractions now. We all know where we are going.
"I think the players have done their bit," added Butler. "The gaffer would be the first to admit that."