Garbutt is registered to play

Wednesday, 24 January, 2018 91comments  |  Jump to most recent

Updated Everton could ensure that Luke Garbutt is eligible to provide cover for the injured Leighton Baines by officially adding him to the squad for the remainder of the season.

The fullback was left off the Blues' list of registered players following the closure of the last transfer window at the end of August but his was added this month under Premier League rules for the January transfer window.

His challenge, however, is to convince Sam Allardyce that he is worthy of inclusion in the 25-man squad that must be submitted to the League once the deadline has passed.

Garbutt looked at one stage to be a natural successor to Baines when he broke into the first team under Roberto Martinez in 2014-15. He deputised for the first-choice left-back at times during that season, acquitting himself well in some key games, including in the Europa League.

Facing further competition from the likes of Brendan Galloway, Garbutt was sent out on loan to gain more first-team experience but found it difficult replicating his form for the Blues during spells at Fulham and Wigan Athletic.

Ronald Koeman overlooked him at the start of this season, despite there being no cover for Baines in the squad, but he has been training with the first team this week and was watched last night as he turned out for the Under-23s in a 3-0 win over Portsmouth.

The left-back position, being filled currently by right-back Cuco Martina as Baines battles a calf problem, has been cited as a problem area by new manager Allardyce but he has complained at the difficulty of finding someone in the transfer market who could fill the role this month.

“I can't speak highly enough of him,” U23s boss David Unsworth said of Garbutt. "He's been with us for six months now, he's acquitted himself really well in training, he's fitter now, we've done so much work on his defensive side.

“We all know his quality in the final third and from a dead-ball situation — that's there for everyone to see.

"[I]t's great he's up with the first-team now. It's up to him to take that opportunity as and when it arises.”

 

Reader Comments (91)

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John Davies
1 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:10:17
Long overdue. I'm not saying the lad is the long-term answer but he must surely be a better bet than Martina if nothing else other than to get the balance of the team right.

Having said that if Allardyce continues to play Sigurdsson in front of him, he too will be exposed and get slaughtered. That's not a criticism of Sigurdsson by the way. Left mid is not his position.

Let's hope Garbutt can step up and make a really decent job of it. Good luck to him.

Andrew Heffernan
2 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:28:44
Praise the lord, we're not going to be relegated!
Barry Williams
3 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:29:13
I'd like to see Galloway recalled from loan. It would mean 2 left-sided players, plus Baines (Not counting Funes Mori) in the squad! Could we handle the excitement?
Jamie Evans
4 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:33:03
Why hasn't this registration already been sorted? It's February next week. He is either absolutely dreadful or we are even more incompetent than most people think.
Mike Gaynes
5 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:48:13
I never rated Garbutt, even during his run with the first team a few years ago, and his performances at Fulham and Wigan certainly supported that opinion.

But I have high regard for Unsworth's player development and assessment skills. He was right about Holgate, right about Kenny and Calvert-Lewin, and I suspect he'll be proven right about Beni. So if Rhino says Garbutt has learned to play defense and is ready to step up, I'm delighted to take him at his word.

I wish him all the best, because he is desperately needed. Take advantage of your second chance, young man, and make it happen!

Nigel Munford
6 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:48:19
That’s the left back issue solved then!!!
Ajay Gopal
7 Posted 24/01/2018 at 17:56:27
Ideally we would need two hard working midfielders on either side of a deep lying play-maker. These two water carriers would protect their respective full-backs and coming inside to protect the centre backs when required.

I like Rooney in the role of the deep lying ball player with McCarthy and Gueye on either side. McCarthy covers the right back ((Coleman/Kenny) while Gueye protects the left-back . in the absence of McCarthy, it could be Davies and Baningime can provide cover for Gueye. The front 3 should be: Tosun, Walcott, & Sigurdsson:

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Garbutt
Davies Rooney Gueye
Sigurdsson
Walcott Tosun

Subs: Bolasie, Niasse, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Baningime, Kenny

Mike Allison
8 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:05:49
I agree with Barry. Galloway and Garbutt have both looked far better in an Everton shirt than out on loan. Garbutt is a top class deliverer of set pieces as well, something I hear Allardyce might just be interested in.
Barry Williams
9 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:07:13
One thing that Garbutt has got and always had, was a decent set piece delivery and a good cross. He may be worth a place just for that!
Barry Williams
10 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:07:54
Reading each other's minds, Mike!
Mark Wynne
11 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:11:26
Given his arrogance, I imagine Sam will stick with Schneiderlin & Martina. Playing the youngsters seems to bring him out in hives.
Brian Ronson
12 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:25:47
Does anyone know how it works? I know you can't register more than 25 players. Given three have gone from the squad and only two have come in, does that mean he can be registered now or does he have to wait until the end of the month?
Derek Knox
13 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:26:36
Ajay, I do like that line-up, it has a certain balance to it and not a whiff of a Weakest Link in either the team or the bench; like some others have said, would Sam go for that?

I suppose the next match against Leicester is too much to hope for.

Lee Reynolds
14 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:27:43
Never wanna see Martina or Williams again and never wanna see Sigurdsson on the left – he's better than Rooney through the middle. Near enough every game this season, we have finished with better players than we started with. Far too negative football.

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Garbutt or Baines
Gueye Baningime or Davies or Rooney
Walcott or Lookman Bolasie or Lookman
Sigurdsson
Tosun


Lookman has been our best player every time he has came on and then been thrown back on the scrappy. Plus I don't get why people are so quick to write off Sandro and we're thinking of getting rid. He's only 22 – give the lad a chance. Ronaldo, Henry, Salah, Van Persie, Suarez didn't smash it straight away and were older than him. COYB – sort it out 💪

Shane Corcoran
15 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:28:03
What a great idea. Wish I'd thought of it. I guess that's why I'm not in management.
Des Farren
16 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:28:53
Baines has had a long spell with us but, for the past number of years he has been wanting in many areas... any pace he had is gone, he cannot cut out a cross, will not face the attacker, does not jump to defend, often does not show for a pass, generally appears disinterested. This is not a recent phenomenon.

Martina is a right-back and would appear to have little future at Everton in left-back position given recent performances.

And so fans, well some anyway, promote Garbutt as the answer to our problems in that position. In six years Garbutt started one Premier League game for Everton. His record with his loan clubs is equally unimpressive, check it out.

I know we are in dire straits but Garbutt? To play alongside Williams or Jagielka. Dear God, please no.

David Pearl
17 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:41:56
Ajay, that's a first for you picking a team. Have you thought about coaching your local under 13s? Tosun is unproven and so to an an extent Davies.

I'm more excited about getting a new Director of Football in at this point. Maybe Walsh is only in year 2 if his 5 year plan to keep us in the 7th position.

Darren Hind
18 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:43:07
Rhino's right of course. The guy is capable of doing real damaged in the final third, but will he be allowed to venture that far north?

Tony Abrahams
19 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:46:02
So Luke Garbutt, has been at Everton for years, plays fullback, and only recently has somebody decided to work on the defensive side of his game?

I'm glad Unsy, has started to try and make Garbutt a better defender, but talk about neglecting what should be the most important aspect of his game, for all these years.

Modern football, has got way too much money, and nowhere near enough common-sense.

Sami Fam
20 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:58:04
Is Nuno Valente still in decent shape? Even if he wasn't, my wife would like to see him given a chance.
Bill Gienapp
21 Posted 24/01/2018 at 18:58:52
Glad to know we can at least do the bare minimum to address a long-standing issue.
Lev Vellene
22 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:00:26
Barry #3,

What is a 'left foot'??? Some kind of witchcraft where a player don't use his right foot? I thought all proper Everton players had two proper 'Right Foots' by now...

Heresy! Burn the witch!!!

David Barks
23 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:05:00
Defending is not the primary responsibility of a full-back in the modern game. It wasn't for Baines it Coleman, not should it be. I want my full-backs to be attacking threats and to be getting into the attack.

Is Victor Moses primarily a defender? How about Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia? How about Milne. What about Kyle Walker, Mendy and Danilo?

Fullbacks are meant to be attacking players that can get forward and also get back to help defend, not primarily be defenders.

Tony Abrahams
24 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:13:50
Agree David, but to play for better teams, I think you have to be able to do both?
Barry Williams
25 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:16:04
Lev Vellene - 22

My black cat told me about it! ooops!

Lev Vellene
26 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:17:14
David (#230.

I quite agree! Full-backs should be able to defend, but when utilized they should be attacking threats like Coleman used to be.

We need that overlap on both the left and right that Baines and Pienaar used to provide on the left in ages gone by, though!

I don't know how good Garbutt is defensively, but he has to be better than Martina in that left-back position! The opposition is usually wise to our players, and they don't even bother to assume Martina might try to go left instead of making a total stop to get the ball onto his right foot for any pass...

Lev Vellene
27 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:23:02
Barry (#25),

So that was why my black cat was so happy with me commenting before she even had her evening food ready... Being a familiar is hard work! ;D

John Raftery
28 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:26:31
David (23) Given our team's inability to control midfield, our full backs must also be solid defenders, able to make tackles, make clearing headers at the near or far post etc. In our current situation, their defensive qualities are arguably more important than any attacking ability.

It is interesting to note how Garbutt's reputation among our supporters appears to have been enhanced the longer his absence from first team action. This is a player who has played a grand total of five league matches for our club and none since 2014-15. His loan spells in 2015-16 at Fulham (25 league matches) and in 2016-17 at Wigan (8 league matches) were none too successful.

Assuming we are unable to sign a suitable left back it makes sense to register him this month simply to provide some cover. I would hesitate however to suggest a player who struggled in the lower reaches of The Championship will be any better than Martina.

Peter Gorman
29 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:30:44
Good. Now to drop Schneiderlin for Baningime.
Tom Bowers
30 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:30:51
Martina has been a liability and is one of Koeman's bad aquisitions.

The likes of Galloway, Garbutt and Browning couldn't have done any worse in the absence of Baines but somehow Martina still keeps the position and the defence is still all at sea.

James Hughes
31 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:41:00
Tony A (#19) – absolutely best post that I have read summing up the left-back situation, cheers!

So Luke Garbutt has been at Everton for years, plays full-back, and only recently has somebody decided to work on the defensive side of his game?

Aidan Baker
32 Posted 24/01/2018 at 19:44:46
Garbutt seems to have been registered according to the official website; given in the space of a few days he's gone from being only on the U23 list, to being a First team squad member without a shirt number to now being assigned the Number 36 shirt.
Barry Williams
33 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:06:41
Tom Bowers - 30

I didn't realise Browning was left-footed as I remember him coming on in a derby match and playing at right-back and doing quite well (or did I imagine this?)!

If he is, letting both him and Galloway go out on loan to the same club, not registering Garbutt and relying on a over 30s Baines to play 3 matches in just over a week at times is absolutely complete dereliction of duty by somebody!!! Especially with Funes Mori unfit and the left-footed Barry being allowed to leave!

Incredible if that is the case. No, I mean ridiculously unprofessional and short-sighted!


Jim Wilson
34 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:17:16
An absolute no-brainer. Just get him signed, you thick fools!
Dave Abrahams
35 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:18:40
I don't know if Garbutt is the answer to the left-back problem but I certainly hope Everton, Allardyce and the rest of those who are involved in bringing players in do not call off the search for a left-back before next Wednesday night. They, bar Allardyce have made enough cock-ups in the last six or seven months to have red faces for the rest of their lives.

To pin our hopes on a left back who hasn't played top flight football for at least two years is pure madness and I hope the search goes on, if it has been going on, until 11:00 pm next Wednesday night.

Allardyce has been here about seven weeks and he's just had a look at Garbutt now, and he's played Martina since he got here – this doesn't make sense at any level at any club.

Lev Vellene
36 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:32:47
Dave #35

Like you, I hope we are looking for a good left-back!

I'm not convinced by Garbutt yet, but then he'll have to do that part by himself if given the chance! None of us have seen what he really offers in the Premier League yet!

But if we get half the crosses into the box that he does for the U23s, then I'll happily cheer his continued presence! Martina provides none of those!

Ben Dyke
37 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:34:33
Honest to goodness – just having anyone with a left foot preference in this ridiculous squad would be amazing!
Phil Walling
38 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:36:14
Nobody gets sent out on loan from Everton to get experience – only to get them off the pay roll!

It really is the kiss of death and the only one ever to come back improved was Ossie and that was years ago.

Garbutt is no exception – so don't build your hopes up about his being better than Martina although that wouldn't require much, would it?

Tony Everan
39 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:36:37
Garbutt hopefully registered as a backup to the top quality left-back arriving next week.

If we have to wait until the summer for someone we have lined up, so be it. However, we can't just write this season off yet.

Get a decent loanee in at the very least.

Anthony Hughes
41 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:45:08
Weird old game, football. The likes of Garbutt and Galloway seem to have some sort of legendary status with some fans. They aren't playing for Everton first team because they aren't good enough.
Lev Vellene
42 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:47:21
Phil (#39),

I used to think like you! But unlike even 10 years ago, we now keep getting these good youngsters in, like on a treadmill! And they leave at a slower rate! So if they don't work out in the end, we'll get good money for letting them go, at least!

Chelsea have loads of youngsters out on loan every season... Everton seem to dip into that...

Barry Williams
43 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:49:02
Anthony Hughes – (#42),

I think that comment is a little unfair, legendary status, no, desperation, yes. Plus, they did play quite well when turning out for Everton, albeit ages ago.

I have seen a couple of games that Garbutt has played in this season and he looks defensively okay, and a does have a very good delivery on him. Yes, it may be the Under-23s, but we are desperate!

Tony Abrahams
44 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:52:27
I'd disagree, Phil, and bet you that loads of players improve when they go out on loan mate. Maybe they are just not at the required standard in the first place Phil, but you can't tell me that playing senior football, is not going to be better than playing for the under 23's?

I think academies provide almost everything, but I'm not sure they create enough real competitive football, which is imperative, if a kid is going to make the grade. The lower you go, the more it changes, and once the standard drops, sometimes it's less about ability, and more about being able to roll up your sleeves, and do the dirty side of the game?

Osman was 23, so Everton were obviously very patient with him, and Seamus Coleman, was very raw, and the total opposite of so many of these pampered kids coming through the academy.

Mike Allen
45 Posted 24/01/2018 at 20:57:12
Baines and Pienaar were one of the best pairings around, the envy of most clubs... However, all things come to an end and Baines has not been consistently at his best for more than a couple of seasons.

I don't think England or not having anyone reliable in front of him did him any favours; however, not to have someone in to challenge his position and then to try and soldier on without him in a hope that he recaptures his form of the Pienaar days is just plain daft and senseless.

Good luck to Garbutt if he gets his chance; otherwise, I can see more millions being wasted on no better than the players we have out on loan.

Andy Meighan
46 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:01:31
The only thing he 'll bring to the side is balance, nothing else. See some are already weeping for Barkley... why? He's gone and wouldn't make a blind bit of difference playing in this team.

He will look a better player – he's got better players around him. Good riddance if you ask me. So-called blue... my arse!

James Marshall
47 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:02:16
What? We're going to use a left-back as a left-back?

I've heard it all now.

Soren Moyer
48 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:05:42
Lol. They are so reluctant to buy a proper left-back! We will buy more midfield players then!
Richard Reeves
49 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:06:24
Good luck to him. He'll be better than Martina, I'm sure of that. I've always rated him as a very good player and thought he could nail down that left-back position but time will tell.

It would be great if Galloway could also be brought back into the team and get some game time at centre-back. He couldn't of done much worse than Williams this season.

Anthony Hughes
50 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:12:15
Maybe it is desperation, Barry, fans build up, what if we're being honest are run of the mill footballers. The old saying "if you good enough you're old enough" is very apt.

We're farming players out into their early twenties when really they should be holding down first team places in The Premier League at that age if they're good enough.

Don Alexander
51 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:15:16
Tony Abraham makes a very good point (#19) and it once again causes me to ponder just what they actually do at Finch Farm?
Barry Williams
52 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:15:18
Anthony Hughes – (#54),

You may be right, but average is better than below average, and you never know, some players have something to prove. For me, it is all about the alternatives, or lack of!

Also, we need more depth in the left-back area regardless. What happens if both Baines and Martina are out!?

James Flynn
53 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:23:19
Well, a few months shy of 25, looks like he'll get a shot. His last one, I'd imagine.

Hope he takes full advantage.

Mike Gaynes
54 Posted 24/01/2018 at 21:49:07
Des (#16), sorry but that's the most complete load of bollocks I've read in a long time.

Baines may have lost some pace, but he has never been "disinterested" or unwilling in any way. Gives maximum effort every minute he's on the pitch, always has, always will. And he's been playing through ankle and calf injuries for the better part of three seasons.

"This is not a recent phenomenon"?? Damn right. It's not a phenomenon at all. It's pure crapola.

Seamus McCrudden
55 Posted 24/01/2018 at 22:08:37
Mike, I can't agree with that. Baines has been in decline and there's no denying it. Lack of crosses & lack of overlapping runs forward coupled with injuries. Not the same player in my book.
Jay Harris
56 Posted 24/01/2018 at 22:16:05
I can't believe we're getting excited about Garbutt coming in at left-back.

Once again, we are settling for a Championship standard instead of going balls out to get a decent left-back... and yes, there are plenty out there and money talks.

The other one I think is concerning is advocating Keane back in the side. Since he came, the lad has been a liability and certainly worse than Jagielka or Williams.

Lee Reynolds
57 Posted 24/01/2018 at 22:16:18
Spot on, Mike Gaynes (#59)
Stephen Jones
58 Posted 24/01/2018 at 22:29:40
Tony (#70),

The good old Bobby Brown Shoes days, or the bad ones?

Martin Reppion
59 Posted 24/01/2018 at 22:31:03
I find it strange that people here seem to think that Everton can just go out and buy a world class left back. If a player is that good the chances are that he will be under contract or looking to play for a top 4 club.

I've read the posts slagging off Garbutt as he hasn't been playing in the Premier League. But we get excited when we see us linked with the left-back at Bristol City.

Get real. Of course a natural left-sided player used to playing at left back should be given the chance to show what he could do ahead of a 3rd choice right-back. And if he is a success over the next few months we don't have to pay over the odds for a new left-back.

And if, as it seems, there is no left-back available to us who is obviously a better option, then don't moan that we still strengthen other areas of the team.

Robert Leigh
60 Posted 24/01/2018 at 23:18:49
This is a no loose situation in my opinion.

Garbutt plays, does poorly –Baines will be back til then end of the season and Martina has played there when we've won so could do so again.

Garbutt plays, does okay – we buy a new left back in the Summer while he either gets a move or Baines goes.

Garbutt plays, does great – we don't need to spend £20mil + on a new left back, Baines as cover from the Summer.

People slating him need to give him a chance, the demands of this league are different to the Championship and he might do well.

If not we know he needs to move on.

I hope he does well, rather save the money and spend elsewhere if he's good enough.

James Flynn
61 Posted 24/01/2018 at 23:53:51
Seamus (64) – Re-read what Mike was offended by (rightly) at Les's post.

We all know Leighton's past it. Injury has neutralized that great left foot of his for 3-4 years now. And even under Moyes, Baines was at best an adequate defender. Moyes had him out there on that flank to attack, not defend.

But Leighton Baines "disinterested?"

Mike described that accurately. Pure bollocks.

Past it or not, when Baines's number is called he goes out there now as he did in his pomp; giving his all.

Les was out of line there and got called on it. Correctly.

Rob Dolby
62 Posted 25/01/2018 at 00:38:23
I think that Martina has done well defensively, offensively he looks slow and cumbersome like the rest of the team.

Hopefully Garbutt will get a run in the team and will concentrate on defending before bombing it up the pitch.

Paul Mackay
63 Posted 25/01/2018 at 05:11:17
I thought Garbutt looked boss when he deputised for Baines a few seasons back. I was gutted he didn't stay in the side. I hope we all give him a chance and judge him after half a dozen games and not on his first performance back.

As for Baines, let's be honest, he is an absolute shadow of his former self. He doesn't even take corners, free kicks or penalties anymore as other players have moved ahead of him. He's not as mobile as he once was, his general play seems more negative and his crossing ability has deteriorated.

He's been a great player for us over the years but we should have shipped him out a season or so ago when he still had a decent resale value.

Richard Lyons
64 Posted 25/01/2018 at 06:27:02
Can't believe no one has said this already, but "it'll be like a new signing".
John Smith
65 Posted 25/01/2018 at 06:37:31
I don't rate Garbutt either. Galloway was a better player than Garbutt when they both broke through. Galloway (as did Browning) played well on their derby debuts. They were rewarded with going out on loan.

Galloway needed to be put on loan where he could become a centre-back (and bulk up in the gym) or kept as a back up for Baines. I can't believe we've had no cover for Baines for over two freaking years.

Drew O'Neall
66 Posted 25/01/2018 at 08:36:56
Good point, John Smith. In so many ways, Roberto Martinez was more sensible and frankly a better manager than his successor.

He came close and had he had money at his disposal, during his reign, instead of bringing in the likes of Alcaraz and Niasse (who based on our recent signings would be considered a success but then were considered to be flops) we might have got players who move us on that 5% toward greatness.

His patter became thin but he didn't have the resources go back up his positivity. So many wasted opportunities, so Everton.

Derek Knox
67 Posted 25/01/2018 at 10:28:58
I have just watched the 'extended highlights' of the match against West Brom again; this time I was solely concentrating on Schneiderlin and Martina. I despair, Schneiderlin's contribution was zero, Martina hardly made a tackle, just raised his arms and turned, to allow the attacker to progress.

If he picks these two against Leicester, I will be fuming, these are the joint cause of the poor play recently; not wholly, but is tantamount to playing with nine men.

How can we all see this and those who have a chance to do something about it just carry on playing the same old pathetic rubbish.

I was never a great advocate of Sam getting the job and I started to think he had proved me wrong. He is on borrowed time in my opinion; if we beat the drop, I think he will be made to part company with us.

Dale Rose
68 Posted 25/01/2018 at 12:20:09
Why have these players and never use them? If they are good enough to sign and be paid, they are good enough to play. I think the School of Science has turned into the School of Piss-Poor Economics.
Ian Hollingworth
69 Posted 25/01/2018 at 12:26:25
About bloody time, he has to be better than Martina.

Sadly, this news means we will not be bringing in a quality left-back. Great planning again Everton FC. Our motto should be changed to 'Let's just make do and hope for the best'.

Thanks, Bill

Steve Brown
70 Posted 25/01/2018 at 12:30:32
"When there is an injury to one of your best players it is not simple," Conte said. "Especially when on the bench the only substitute is Ross Barkley.

"Barkley has a lot of space for improvement, he is working with us only two weeks but for sure today I was forced to make this substitution, but he can improve a lot."

Bloody hell – that didn't take long.

Guessing signing Barkley wasn't Conte's idea!

Julian Exshaw
71 Posted 25/01/2018 at 12:49:41
I think there is something seriously amateurish about this (nothing against Garbutt himself). As others have mentioned, it's like a lightbulb went 'ping' on top of a few heads and they thought 'Oh wait, there's Garbutt. Let's try to improve him'.

Then, they wait until three weeks into the window to have the bright idea to actually register him. Would this happen at any other top club? I seriously doubt it.

Come on Everton, get a move on and be professional for once in your lives!! Good luck to Luke.

Geoff Evans
72 Posted 25/01/2018 at 13:29:10
"Barkley can improve a lot'' well as long as it's on Chelsea's time and not Everton's that'll do for me.

Another Rodwell in the making.

Not to worry though, at the end of the day they'll be back as part of Finch Farm coaching staff with the likes of Ferguson and (let me kiss the Arsenal badge, Jeffers).

The Future's Bright.

Richard Reeves
73 Posted 25/01/2018 at 16:14:49
It's good he's being given a chance because the answer isn't to keep spending. Anyone brought it now might not have a future with the next manager. The club have wasted enough money since Koeman and Walsh arrived. We need a decent manager in the summer and we need to back him with his own targets.
Mike Gaynes
74 Posted 25/01/2018 at 17:28:28
Paul (#63), you write of Baines: "He doesn't even take corners, free kicks or penalties anymore as other players have moved ahead of him."

That's completely inaccurate.

Bainesy scored on penalties in the last two games before he was injured, that dramatic gamewinner against Watford and the leveller against Palace.

And he continued to take all the corners from the right side... Calvert-Lewin's tying goal against Watford was off an in-swinging Baines corner.

I have no doubt he will resume those duties once healthy.

Mike Gaynes
75 Posted 25/01/2018 at 17:30:44
Steve (#70), it was his first game action in a year. Not that I wouldn't be delighted to see him flop in London, but...
John Boon
76 Posted 25/01/2018 at 17:45:50
Just a few observations about Coleman, Garbutt and Barkley.

1 Great to see Seamus play against Portsmouth. He looked at ease and contributed when needed. As much as we badly need him back I really would be hesitant to include him against Leicester or Arsenal unless he is truly fit again. Only he knows that!

2 Garbutt also looked relaxed and showed why it is important to have a natural left-footer. If he is up to it that would be great but again there are question marks about what he can contribute.Is he Premier League level ? Unsworth seems confident and also feels he has improved.

3. Barkley has gone and is no longer an Everton player. Personally, I don't like to see people gloat when he doesn't have a good game. I don't think he has lived up to expectations but that doesn't have to be celebration time for Evertonians. Players move all the time. He chose to leave. I don't think most of us really know why. I don't care how many good games he has as long as they are not against Everton. We have enough to worry about without bothering about ex-players.

Paul Thompson
77 Posted 25/01/2018 at 18:25:48
David Barks (#23) 'Defending is not the primary responsibility of a full-back'. Is that satire or have you been giving advice to Martina? It has been widely noted that Everton have given too many goals away with full backs being caught too far up the pitch.

Unsworth's comments on improving the defensive side of Garbutt's game are telling. I'd put him in and see how he does, with (as other have noted) someone who can give him some protection in front of him. And for those who are hankering after bringing Galloway back, forget it. His confidence is shot and he can't make the bench at Sunderland most weeks. Putting him in would guarantee we'd be playing Sunderland next season.

Geoff Evans
78 Posted 25/01/2018 at 18:37:36
Harder to get a game for Sunderland.
Martin Nicholls
79 Posted 25/01/2018 at 19:12:32
Paul (#77) – good first paragraph! I was reluctant to comment on that assertion that defending is not first priority for a full back in case I'd missed something obvious!

As for Garbutt, if he as a specialist left back cannot do better at the job than a guy who was recently Southampton's third choice right back you have to ask why the hell we're employing him!

As for not signing a top quality left-back in this window I'm hoping that the Board may have pulled the plug on Allardyce's spending because they intend replacing him in four months time with someone who they trust more with the Club's money!

David Israel
80 Posted 25/01/2018 at 20:10:27
Luke Garbutt has a left foot and can cross a ball, and that applies irrespective of the level or team he's playing at. You don't cross it better or worse just because you're playing in the Championship or in the Premier League. Not sure about his defensive competence, though, and in this frail team, that is a very important quality to have.
David Israel
81 Posted 25/01/2018 at 20:12:52
Paul #77, playing Sunderland next season? Things may be bad, but we're certainly not getting relegated twice in the same season.
Colin Gee
82 Posted 25/01/2018 at 20:15:35
About bloody time!
Colin Glassar
83 Posted 26/01/2018 at 08:18:01
He was great going forward but (like Baines) he’s poor defending. We shall wait and see.
William Cartwright
84 Posted 26/01/2018 at 09:42:49
Why is he "expected" and not included already is beyond me...
Annika Herbert
85 Posted 26/01/2018 at 09:50:11
Why do we keep saying as a back up for Baines!!? Baines is shot and has been for a couple of years. We need Garbutt to step up and, if he isn't up to the job, buy someone who is. A loyal servant or not, Baines is past it now.
Jay Harris
86 Posted 26/01/2018 at 14:58:16
I don't agree that Baines is past it, Annika, but he should be the backup – not first choice now. If we had any ambition, we would be hounding Danny Rose to join and that is the standard we should be going for – not a player who wasn't even deemed good enough for Championship teams.
Andrew Keatley
87 Posted 27/01/2018 at 00:18:48
Jay Harris – I agree that Danny Rose would be a great signing, but he would cost £40+ million, is being courted by the Manchester clubs, and would be making a step down to come to us from Spurs.

I think it is time to be realistic about these sorts of things, and if we can refrain from "hounding" transfer targets, that might be a good idea too.

Si Cooper
88 Posted 27/01/2018 at 02:19:27
Danny Rose is a solid and mobile player but, like the very similar Ryan Bertrand, is not outstanding for me. I would take Baines in his pomp over both of them because of the extras in his game. I agree with David Barks to the extent that what the wing backs bring to the attack can outweigh minor defensive frailties.

The best left sided defensive player in the Premier League is Marco Alonso and, unfortunately, Andrew Robertson seems to be making great strides in his progress. If we can locate any like them in another league, I would take them over the likes of Rose, Bertrand and Shaw any day, who would cost a fortune even if you could attract them to EFC in the near future.

I am a little surprised that Luke Garbutt seems to have become such a defensive liability since his Everton debut that his apparent attacking attributes haven't been considered as mitigating. He must have a terrible tendency to switch off because I don't recall his tackling and heading ability being particularly bad.

Hopefully he has been able to work on his faults because he is obviously now the option we are relying on to make Cuco surplus to requirements on the left flank.

Denver Daniels
89 Posted 27/01/2018 at 04:43:34
We should go for Philipp Max from Augsburg. He's a 3 in 1 player but primarily a left back. He would be cheaper than any Premier League alternative. We should pay whatever it takes as he'll end up at a top team soon.
Dave Abrahams
90 Posted 27/01/2018 at 19:59:26
William (#84), the club probably forgot Garbutt was still here until he started getting mentioned here on ToffeeWeb in the last couple of weeks.
Chris Corn
91 Posted 28/01/2018 at 11:28:40
You will never convince me that a full back getting crosses into the opposing box is more important than them stopping crosses coming into our box.
Brian Wilkinson
92 Posted 28/01/2018 at 18:47:11
Garbutt in for Martina, Holgate or Keane if fit in for Williams, then Baningime in for Schneiderlin, just three simple tweaks and the team looks more balanced.

We can see it, why the hell can't Sam see it?


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