An ex-Everton player whose biggest claim to fame is being forgotten about by then-manager Carlo Ancelotti almost ended up outside the EFL completely this summer.
Legendary Italian boss Ancelotti stunned the footballing world when he took charge of the Blues in 2019. The Champions League-winning manager only lasted until June 2021 at the club, however, before returning to Spain to take the reins at Real Madrid once again.
Ancelotti's time at Everton was short but memorable. The former Milan and Napoli coach oversaw Everton climbing into the Champions League places at one stage, and even signed the likes of 2014 World Cup superstar James Rodriguez. But it's perhaps one moment in particular that went viral on social media that really sticks in the mind about his time on Merseyside.
Luke Garbutt was contracted at Goodison Park from 2011-2020, however, the left back only ever made five appearances for the Toffees. Throughout this time at Everton, Garbutt was loaned out to the likes of Cheltenham Town, Colchester United, Wigan Athletic, Fulham, Oxford United and Ipswich Town.
During one particular press conference on Zoom, Ancelotti was asked for this thoughts on Garbutt leaving the club after 11 years of service. However, a look of utter bemusement spread across the Italian's face. When asked why he was releasing Garbutt after over a decade at the Toffees, Ancelotti responded with a simple, but devastating, "who?"
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The former Blues boss then looked off to the left to seek answers from his media team before coming back to the reporter saying: "Sorry, but I am surprised about this question, I don't know." The short clip perhaps made Garbutt more famous than his playing days at Everton ever did. The full-back eventually joined Blackpool from Everton in 2020 where he registered 65 appearances before moving to Salford City in June 2023.
Luke Garbutt in his Everton days (GETTY)Garbutt also represented England at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 levels – making 52 appearances for the national team during that time. The 30-year-old also helped England win the 2010 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, and even played in the final where England beat Spain 2–1.
Garbutt's latest club, Salford City, endured a tough time in League Two this season with the club finishing 20th out of 24. They survived the drop with Sutton United and Forest Green Rovers falling into the the National League, but Karl Robinson's side toiled through a campaign that saw them lose 21 times and concede 74 times, although they avoided the dreaded drop by nine points come the final game of the season. Garbutt, along with Gary Neville and other members of the Class of 92 at Salford, will be hoping for an improved 2024/25 campaign.
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