Blackpool head coach explains the signing of Luke Garbutt

The 27-year-old became Blackpool’s 12th signing of the summer on Tuesday, penning a 12-month contract with the club.

While the Seasiders are already well stocked at left-back with Demetri Mitchell and James Husband on their books, Critchley couldn’t miss out on signing a player of his calibre.

Garbutt arrives at Bloomfield Road having enjoyed a successful loan spell with Ipswich Town last season before being released by boyhood club Everton earlier in the summer.

“Every summer is the same when you get free agents and players are out of contract, although this summer has probably been slightly different because of the situation we’re in and the position clubs find themselves in,” Pool’s head coach explained.

“We knew Luke’s situation. Having spoken to him, I was really impressed with him and when you get the opportunity to bring in someone of his quality that is going to improve the squad, then we felt he would be a really valuable asset to us.

“We want competition for places, we want competition in all areas of the pitch and we want a competitive squad where everyone knows they have to train well and play well to stay in the team.

“He’s 27 but he’s got a lot of miles left on his clock yet. He’s got good experience and played a number of games, but not hundreds and hundreds for a 27-year-old.

“When I spoke to him, I still got the feeling he’s got something to prove in the game.

“He wants to be successful and there’s a hunger and desire about him with the way he lives his life and the way he trains. He’s very professional.

“I think he’ll bring a lot to the team on the pitch but I think he’ll also help us on a daily basis off the pitch with the way he trains and conducts himself.”

Garbutt’s arrival could well signal a change in position for Husband, who often played on the left of a back three under Simon Grayson last season.

While Blackpool will stick doggedly to a back four under Critchley, the club’s head coach concedes he’s more than capable of filling in at centre-back.

“I wouldn’t rule him out of both positions. He has got that versatility,” he said.

“He can play left-sided centre-half, he did it last season but it was in a three.

“Maybe the way we’re playing this season with our system he could play in a back four as a left-sided centre-half, so that’s a possibility.”

In his latest injury update, Critchley confirmed Garbutt won’t be available to make his debut for Blackpool at Gillingham this afternoon.

Critchley, however, is hopeful of being able to welcome Husband and Sullay Kaikai back into the fold.

Matty Virtue, who was missing from Blackpool’s squad for last weekend’s 2-0 win against Swindon Town, will continue to be assessed ahead of the trip to Kent.

“James Husband and Sullay Kaikai have returned to training. Matty Virtue we’re still hopeful of but we’re not certain,” Critchley said.

“From last weekend, Sullay and Hubby should be available. Matty we’re still waiting on.

“Luke hasn’t had a pre-season with a team but I have to say in the last couple of days he’s been with us, we’ve done some of our physical tests and assessments and he’s in good condition.

“I think Saturday will come too soon for him, we have to be mindful that he’s not played a game of football for a lengthy period of time now.

“We will steadily increase the workload for him and look to get him involved as soon as possible, but we have to be mindful that he hasn’t played for a lengthy period of time and he’s not had a pre-season.”