Garbutt joins Fulham on loan

Whatever way you look at it, it's another one out the door for a whole season.

Its fast becoming annoying.

Would I prefer Luke to stay and play more at Everton? Yes.

Will Luke develop playing more games at this level? Yes.

It's a move that whereas I'd take a different path were I personally in charge, I completely understand it and trust Roberto in this regard.

Good luck Luke! Light it up at Fulham kid. And be ready to come back if Oviedo goes down!

Oh, and please get Fulham back in the top flight. I sorely miss Craven Cottage done up at Christmas time...

Baines is clearly our first choice LB and the frustration that Garbutt clearly felt - which resulted in him debating whether to leave or not - meant that this was the only option if he stayed.

We have Baines, Oviedo and Galloway for the LB spot.

Luke can get a full season under his belt and come back even better than he already is.

I reckon he will grab a few goals and assists while he is down there, which will add to his game.

Wise move for everyone concerned.

Oviedo, while a decent player, is somewhat injury prone. Leighton Baines is obviously our Number One left-back, although I feel he has never been the same player, since the Man Utd. transfer speculation that kept rearing its ugly head.

I just hope that there is a call-back clause in Luke's contract with Fulham, should we find ourselves thin on the ground. Otherwise I wish him all the best, and hope he returns even better.

I'm pleased with this, and I hope one of Browning and Galloway follows once we add another CB to the team. Some excellent players over recent times and historically have go on loan to Championship clubs to gain experience and playing time. This will do Garbutt good.

Garbutt will get regular games to improve his match fitness.

There is a bit more physicality in the Championship to toughen him up and the pace will not be too much for him to adjust to.

The Championship will help him develop his defensive side as many games at this level are about grit and hard graft, particularly from a defensive aspect. Additionally, his natural attacking ability will be exploited here by Fulham in addition to refining his dead ball delivery (which is pretty good already).

Good deal all round, as we know he is being groomed as Leighton's long-term successor.

By the way, I wish Garbutt well and hope he improves his game at Fulham.

I hope he stays injury-free, and presume that we will be able to get him back should our left-backs get injured.

Seems more likely to me than there not being any EPL interest in Garbutt who is already a Premier League class player. He had a big role in the Wolfsburg game which many cite as our best performance last season, lets not forget.

I suspect, he's gone to the Championship because no other Premier League clubs were interested in taking him on the proviso he would play every week.

Develop his game while showing confidence in his ability as a Premier League Player.

There is no disgrace in taking a step backwards in order to take two forward.

Fulham is a club with 'history' and had the great Johnny Haines - what more can I say.

Does Roberto say to him "Sorry son, I can't drop the England left back, I'll play you in some cup games." Or does he say to Leighton, "Luke's time has come for Premier League matches, I'm benching you or trying you in another position."

Unless he doesn't deliver for Fulham or Leighton leaves or is long-term injured, the issue is going to be more pronounced next season.

Then, of course, there is Oviedo....

I understand where you're coming from, saying why a Championship team... but the lad needs to play every week, at a Premier League club that's not guaranteed. I think this move will be perfect for the lad.

Can't see that happening.

He needs games. Hopefully, he's keeps his head on straight at Fulham and piles up the playing time.

I wouldn't go as far as saying that he is on the way out, but he certainly is at an age where most players have reached their pinnacle.

I love Oviedo, but he does seem injury prone, and, for me, would be of better use where Pienaar used to play. Therefore, my prediction is Garbutt to start at LB this time next year.

Not sure what the great Johnny Haynes has really got to do with the future of Luke but I think what you mean is that Fulham are a decent club with a good pedigree [like us] and it will be good for him. Not sure about Jimmy Hill and Tommy Trinder though.

He's not a savior, but a diamond for the future. I'm very glad he signed. It's a good statement for the club. He sees a future which is paramount in this situation. Hope more agree.

I like the comparison and I agree with your logic, but I don't know that it will be that straightforward.

Baines still has 2 or 3 seasons at the top in him and he wants to continue being considered for England. He is not going to be happy handing over his place for club or country. He is also a popular, loyal servant of the club, a real Evertonian, who has given his best years for the cause. Initially until Luke settles into the role, he will also be a less error prone choice, a left back's mistakes make bigger headlines than their assists.

Also, how committed is Luke to Everton, he likes examining his options before resigning any new contract. If he is given the position, has a couple of great seasons who's to say he won't be demanding a transfer to a rich club as soon as they show interest.

It therefore takes a brave, confident manager to replace the 'present' with the 'future'. Alex Ferguson would do it but I don't know that many others will.

A season of full-time football will do Luke a world of good.