Martinez: No connection between Galloway's debut and Garbutt's future

, 18 May, 48comments | Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez says that his decision to blood Brendan Galloway at Upton Park on Saturday bore no relation to Luke Garbutt's apparent contract impasse.

Garbutt had been expected to take Leighton Baines's place at left back for the last two games of the season after the 30 year-old underwent surgery to correct an ankle problem.

It was Galloway who was named in the starting XI for the win over West Ham, however, and the 19-year-old went on to reward his manager's faith by producing a hugely encouraging display.

Some saw the decision as confirmation that Garbutt will be on his way this summer after failing to agree new terms with the Blues but Martinez moved to dampen that speculation by insisting it was more about seeing Galloway perform in the first team.

"Luke Garbutt and Brendan Galloway are very different players," the Catalan said.

“Garbutt is a very successful story. Last year, he was in the under-21s and we put forward a two-year programme.

“Sometimes in football you don't get the chance to get through but he's played 10 games for the first team and has had a fantastic season for us.

“This was a different situation. I wanted to find out about Brendan Galloway.”

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo

Reader Comments (48)

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Mark Andersson
1 Posted 18/05/2015 at 06:44:36

Fair call from Martinez. One game to go, we know the manager will still be with us next season and I donÂ’t like his style of play or his sound bites th to the media.

However time to back him no point in carrying on getting our collective knickers in a twist.

I hope like many here that he has had a massive learning curve and next season has to be better than this.

The vultures will come for our good players holding on to them is important for the future.

ItÂ’s going to be a very interesting Sumner.

Phil Sammon
3 Posted 18/05/2015 at 07:05:21

Coming from a man I donÂ’t often believe, IÂ’m inclined to lean towards this being another outright lie.

IÂ’m sure Galloway earned his debut, but if things were hunky dory with Garbutt then I donÂ’t think it would have happened.

Harold Matthews
5 Posted 18/05/2015 at 07:43:44

Sounds like he wanted to see how Galloway fared before possibly upping the offer for Garbutt. Looks like it was a wise decision. WeÂ’ll stick with young Brendan.

Karl Graham
6 Posted 18/05/2015 at 07:58:56

IÂ’d rest Stones next week ahead of u21 Championships and play back 4 of Coleman Jagielka Galloway Garbutt. With Barry In front of them it will to help the 2 youngsters.

Alan Ross
7 Posted 18/05/2015 at 07:58:14

As much as I would be loath to see Garbutt leave, BrendanÂ’s performance has lessened the anger I would feel if he did. This is is going to be probably the most testing summer I can remember.

Based on past performance in the transfer market and the lowest points tally for quite some years, IÂ’m not sure Martinez is up to it. I hope he is on a big learning curve and takes something from this season. However, confidence is not very high.

Harold Matthews
8 Posted 18/05/2015 at 07:53:36

Mark. Now that weÂ’ve dumped the slow motion tippy-tappy stuff I quite like our style of play, though one or two useful, experienced additions would be welcome.

I thought the best line of the week came from Lukaku when he expressed a desire for signings who would provide competition for places. IÂ’ll bet he wasnÂ’t thinking of a top striker.

Colin Glassar
10 Posted 18/05/2015 at 08:50:24

Martinez obviously watches these lads in training every day so attitude on the training pitch must be a massive factor. If a player is sulking, or distracted, then you probably have to go with the player who is trying to impress.

IÂ’m not having a go at Luke but his "dropping" on Saturday might have to do more with attitude than ability.

Tony Doran
11 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:07:47

Lies, but tell the press nowt I say. All fans would like to know the truth about what goes on at the club, but we canÂ’t find out without the world finding out also.

Chris Regan
12 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:03:35

One game isnÂ’t really enough to judge a player on. Keeping Garbutt is a must. Baines is ageing and Oviedo is one of those unlucky players. So our perceived depth on the left doesnÂ’t hold up to close scrutiny. Why would anyone want a player of GarbuttÂ’s quality to go for nothing? After all, Man Utd spent 㿊M on Luke Shaw.

Jim Bennings
13 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:08:53

Why should we not have BOTH Galloway and Garbutt??

Clearly age is catching up with Baines each passing year, and for a marauding left back once you slow down a little , it takes a huge chunk out of your game as Chelsea found with Ashley Cole.

I was impressed that Galloway actually stopped crosses more consistently than Baines has done this season, possibly due to the fact he wasnÂ’t really getting forward like Baines, but still...a solid debut.

As I say Baines needs serious competition so IÂ’d keep Garbutt as he is a better attacking full back than Galloway, who himself is not a left back by trade.

I donÂ’t see much future beyond next year for Oviedo sadly, a player I really rated before injury came along.

Ajay Gopal
14 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:31:23

Agree with you, Jim. Galloway is not a natural left-back Â– nowadays full backs tend to be smallish and fast on the counter.

Long term, I expect Stones and Galloway will form the centre-back partnership for Everton (if Stones stays). Garbutt should be the long term LB. If he is wise, he would sign a deal with Everton, and he allow himself be sent out on loan for a year or so to a lower ranked team like Bournemouth or Real Sociedad (ha.. couldnÂ’t help that!).

Geoff Evans
15 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:40:05

Agree with Mark, this season's almost over, whatever people think about RM (IÂ’m his biggest critic), heÂ’s going to be here next season so weÂ’ve got to hope heÂ’s learnt and we can move on. COYB

Victor Yu
16 Posted 18/05/2015 at 10:07:57

ItÂ’s just one game. DonÂ’t get overly excited yet.

WasnÂ’t Peter Clarke supposed to be the next star CB for? And Anthony Gerrard too?

I am not saying Galloway is bad but just stay calm before saying he will be our future for the next 10 years.

Stephen Bird
17 Posted 18/05/2015 at 10:35:13

Agree with Mark #1 and Geoff #15

We done a lot of moaning and complaining this season with at times full justification.

But it appears Martinez has revised his tactics slightly since Feb and we are more successful.

Like him or loathe him he ainÂ’t going so lets be proactive and generate a more positive groundswell to take us into pre season.

Plato Stavrinos
18 Posted 18/05/2015 at 10:25:55

@ Phil and Tony, where and when has RM lied? He might not reveal all in the media but to call him a liar is unfair. I would like to see a manager who doesnÂ’t do the same.

I donÂ’t believe he has to tell the fans exactly whatÂ’s going on in the background. Give the man a break and letÂ’s give him our support for the new season.

Ernie Baywood
19 Posted 18/05/2015 at 10:39:24

If that is genuinely his logic then fair play. IÂ’m assuming he took Luke aside last week, reassured him about his future and explained his thinking for the West Ham match. The players are all very happy.

Probably bollocks though isnÂ’t it?

Chris Williamson
20 Posted 18/05/2015 at 10:42:58

RMÂ’s only real mistake this year was the poorly planned pre-season. Out boys didnÂ’t hit the ground running, and that quickly affected confidence. Confidence is the difference between mid-table and top 4 when you have quality players Â– like we do.

ThatÂ’s the one lesson I hope heÂ’s picked up on, and I hope he does better with next pre-season.

Phil Sammon
21 Posted 18/05/2015 at 11:16:47

Chris Williamson

His ONLY mistake?!

ThatÂ’s an astounding statement. What about his flat refusal to change a system that just wasnÂ’t working? What about dropping in-form Robles for out-of-form Howard? What about sticking with Barry when game after game he was nothing but a liability? What about the most boring, impenetrating football witnessed at Goodison Park for many a year? What about every pre-match/post-match press conference filled with inane ramblings that Martinez alone can fathom?

One mistake? Honestly, I despair.

Brian Wilkinson
22 Posted 18/05/2015 at 11:48:53

If Garbutt wants to leave theres naff all Everton can do about it, smart move playing Galloway, will give Garbutt Food for thought instead of thinking he has the club by the balls.

If Garbutt is smart enough, he will see his chance will come so hopefully he will sign a new contract.

Leung Chi Ho
23 Posted 18/05/2015 at 12:06:03

Let go Alcaraz, Distin and Hibbert (time to coach than play), yield Browning, Galloway and Garbutt (if he stay) next season, give them a 5-year contract so we can focus a No. 10, a winger and a forward in the transfer market

Tony J Williams
24 Posted 18/05/2015 at 12:15:12

Yeah! Nothing to do with Garbutt,........ and Distin had a part to play in the team from January too....hmmmm

Chris Williamson
25 Posted 18/05/2015 at 12:32:07

Phil Sammon - sorry to cause despair.

OK - only MAJOR mistake. With regards to the others - having the courage of your convictions like RM has is not in itself a mistake. I agree with you that Barry and Howard (and any other player) should be dropped if off form - and he hasnÂ’t done that. Neither did Moyes. Neither do many other managers, unless they have a huge pool of ready first team international talent to replace them.

Peter Morris
26 Posted 18/05/2015 at 12:46:19

I agree with Chris that a poor pre-season handicapped the first team well into the autumn, from which we never recovered. Whilst Roberto was pissing about in South America, no doubt looking up long lost relatives, what was going on back here with the squad who were not involved in the World Cup?

In our first two games-Leicester and Arsenal, we were clawed back twice by teams who simply had more energy that our lads in the final 20 minutes, and whatever you say about Moyes, he would NEVER have allowed that to happen.

Sam Hoare
27 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:08:31

Galloway will be a CB and hopefully a top class one at that.

I have a dream that Evertons back 4 in a few years time is:

Kenny Stones. Galloway. Garbutt

In my dream that is also EnglandÂ’s back 4.

Sadly my dream will be shattered in a few weeks when Garbutt moves to Bournemouth to get regular Premiership football. If we were really smart we would offer him an excellent contract and loan him to them for the season. He will be worth at least 10m in 3 years time if not more mark my words.

Eddie Dunn
28 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:36:18

I wonder if Martinez was so keen to see what Galloway was like because there is a possibility that Stones could be sold for big money.
I could see him slotting in nicely at Chelsea or Man City.

Pete Edwards
29 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:33:56

Playing Garbutt for the last 2 games isnÂ’t going to make him think Â’hang on IÂ’ve got a couple of games so IÂ’ll sign a new contractÂ’ is it!

I agree with you, Brian, smart move

Spencer Ramsay
30 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:42:04

I was at the game and I thought that Galloway had an ok game, no better no worse. As has been mentioned above, he didnÂ’t really get forward much. He reminded me of a centre half playing at left back. I would have preferred to see Garbutt at there on Saturday and was disappointed when he wasnÂ’t a starter. CanÂ’t believe we canÂ’t do a deal to sign him and then loan him out to someone like Bournemouth. Everybodies happy that way surely?

Jim Hardin
31 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:26:57

Ajay,

Galloway or Garbutt to Real Sociadad is a great idea given that at least that manager will teach them how to defend set pieces!

Chris Gould
32 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:41:43

The primary role of a left back is to defend. Garbutt does not convince me in that department at all. He has a lovely left foot but will never be a top class defender. He is not good enough to displace Baines, and Baines has a good few seasons left in him.
If he wants to stay, persevere, and learn from EnglandÂ’s best left back, then great. If not, I donÂ’t think weÂ’ll miss him like some think we will.
In saying that, losing him for nought would be frustrating to say the least.

Gavin Johnson
33 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:54:24

Spencer - I have a feeling Garbutt might sign for Bournemouth: Instant first team football with a club that has new found money.

Scott Goin
34 Posted 18/05/2015 at 14:07:04

ItÂ’s completely up to Garbutt at this point. HeÂ’s been offered a deal and likely told they will loan him out next season to get 1st-team experience. If he feels that is acceptable and wants to stay and compete at Everton, he will do. ThatÂ’s still a risky proposition for him as Baines may be here for several more years. If instead he wants more guaranteed playing time, heÂ’ll leave. I wouldnÂ’t be able to blame him for that.

I donÂ’t see him becoming a star or anything but I think he can one day become a solid left back for a low/mid-table club. Not all of EvertonÂ’s young players are destined for greatness.

Fortunately, if Garbutt does leave, Everton will receive a tribunal fee for his development since heÂ’s under 24. IÂ’m guessing about 500k with a 20% sell on.

Ian Jones
35 Posted 18/05/2015 at 14:42:23

I like the idea of Garbutt being loaned out to Bournemouth. Why not Norwich or Middlesborough (whichever one gets to the Premier League). They also look to be decent footballing sides.

James Stewart
36 Posted 18/05/2015 at 14:53:45

What a load of bullshit. Martinez really does get my back up when he takes his own fans for idiots with comments like this.

Galloway is a right footed centre back so what can possibly be learned by playing him at left back?! He did the same with Browning at right back. Browning performed better and against the RS no less. His reward, not been seen since.

Garbutt is gone and I donÂ’t blame him at all. Good luck to the lad.

Chris Williamson
37 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:01:26

James - ahem - Pat Van Den Hauwe "is a right footed centre back so what can possibly be learned by playing him at left back?!"

Paul Andrews
38 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:08:14

Galloway is predominantly left-footed, James.

Ross Edwards
39 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:16:06

He did well. As long as this isnÂ’t a similar case to Browning when he got an opportunity against Liverpool and has never been anywhere near the first team since.

Tony J Williams
40 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:22:10

Yeah but Chris... Van Den Hauwe was a fecking nutter, he probably argued with his own feet and threatened them most days!!!!

Jim Hardin
41 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:29:43

Maybe RM suspected that Garbutt was reading ToffeeWeb and taking the words of all the, "sky is falling, Garbutt over Baines, canÂ’t lose this kid," posters to heart and head. Maybe RM had to play someone else to show him he can be replaced by a defensive player at a defensive slot.

Maybe this will convince him to sign a contract and go out on loan but honestly, if we are going to loan him to one of the newcomers, then why wouldnÂ’t he just sign with them anyway? First team everyday playing experience anywhere, EPL or Championship, or Spain, is better than not playing at all for an EPL team.

Richard Reeves
42 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:38:00

Sam (#27), IÂ’ve had the same dream or should I say daydream.

My daydream also consists of Griffiths becoming our number 1 and a cult favourite along with the best young talent weÂ’ve got in Ledson and a goal machine in Long.
Being a bit football manager here but I would like to see a team in the future made up of:

Griffiths
Kenny Stones Galloway Garbutt
Ledson
Henen Barkley Green
Lukaku Long

Harold Matthews
43 Posted 18/05/2015 at 17:58:44

James. Galloway is a lefty. A very one-footed lefty.

Jamie Crowley
44 Posted 18/05/2015 at 18:27:45

Harold -

Interesting point @5. Something my feeble brain had not considered. Keep it coming Blue Mage of Merseyside.

Harold Matthews
45 Posted 18/05/2015 at 20:04:07

Nice one, Jamie. Haha!

Mike Keating
46 Posted 18/05/2015 at 20:37:31

Phil (21) you forgot to mention taking Alcaraz to Kiev and leaving at home. Another howler.

Mike Keating
47 Posted 18/05/2015 at 20:51:12

Leaving Distin at home obviously

Pete Owen
48 Posted 18/05/2015 at 22:06:51

Galloway is LEFT-footed! where on earth have you been?

Howard, Baines Lukaku and Barry will all be right-footed yeah?

Neil Riddell
49 Posted 19/05/2015 at 15:44:23

Has everyone read the article "The Ineptitude numbers are in" in The Guardian. ThereÂ’s a link on the ToffeeWeb web site. It makes REALLY interesting reading. It basically awards points for doing stupid, inept things. Everton come third, behind two relegated teams. ItÂ’s really a terrible indictment of management as much as anything else. Everyone should have a read if you havenÂ’t already.

Max Wilson
50 Posted 20/05/2015 at 09:54:48

I donÂ’t think weÂ’ve seen enough of either young player to make a definitive judgement. They will be still working on any perceived weaknesses in their armoury of skills. It's not as if they are 25 plus yet.

All we can say is that they are both assets and very promising.

Patrick Murphy
51 Posted 20/05/2015 at 11:25:33

Garbutt and Stones make the England-U21 squad. Ross has been omitted, probably a good thing if it means he can relax over the summer and come back next August raring to go.

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