Blackpool the right club at right time for Luke Garbutt

Blackpool’s latest signing Luke Garbutt is looking to put a difficult few months behind him and concentrate on enjoying his football once again.
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The left-back, who has signed a 12-month contract with the Seasiders, had looked set to move to Sunderland earlier in the window only for the introduction of the salary cap to scupper those plans.

Garbutt admitted: “It’s been difficult times through Covid but I’m just pleased to get back playing football.

New Blackpool signing Lee Garbutt (right) in action against the Seasiders last season as an Ipswich Town loaneeNew Blackpool signing Lee Garbutt (right) in action against the Seasiders last season as an Ipswich Town loanee
New Blackpool signing Lee Garbutt (right) in action against the Seasiders last season as an Ipswich Town loanee
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“The gaffer (Neil Critchley) and I spoke last week and his CV speaks for itself. He’s spent seven years at Liverpool, a massive football club, and hopefully he can build that ethos into Blackpool. I like his plans.

“He’s got it absolutely spot on. He sees the football club on a pathway and he wants players to be built into that philosophy. It’s something I was really excited about and I want to get cracking really.

“I’m buzzing to get back playing football again and hopefully we can push on for the season.

“I’m just looking to get myself match-fit and push on because I obviously haven’t played in a while.”

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While Critchley was a major factor in Garbutt’s decision, geography also played its part. He explained: “I spent a long time at Everton, coming through the academy at 16. I just feel that at this moment in my career, with everything that is going on in the world, I needed somewhere close to home.

“I now live in Liverpool, so this is the perfect platform, and the manager plays the right way, which will suit my game.

“I’m just looking forward to integrating myself into the side. I think I’m at a really good age and can pass on a lot of experience to the team.”