Monday’s Toffee Bites: Luke Garbutt never had a chance at Everton

Luke Garbutt came through Everton’s academy at a tough time for a left-back. Back when Garbutt was probably ready to emerge in the first team, Leighton Baines was arguably at the height of his career. Baines had just been to the World Cup with England, was the team’s preferred free kick specialist and penalty taker, and he was as steady as they come at the position. Why remove him from the starting XI?

Of course, if Garbutt was truly good enough, he would have beat out Baines at some point in subsequent seasons. It never happened. He went out on loans and disappointed. Once he was back with the Blues, he just couldn’t quite breakthrough in the training. It wasn’t a one-manager problem either. Roberto Martinez gave him the best opportunity but he ultimately disappeared. Ronald Koeman never seem interested. And Sam Allardyce has named him on the bench but has yet to give him minutes.

Perhaps a change of scenery will do wonders for him. Good luck, Luke!

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Monday’s Toffee Bites

Scouting Report: Given On Newcastle - EvertonFC.com
The club's website has recruited Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given to lend some perspective on what Everton face on Monday night.

Monaco, Everton may offer Arsene Wenger route back into management - The Telegraph
Arsene Wenger has no intention of retiring from football and is even open to the idea of becoming a national team coach.

Report: Everton contact Napoli to sign Croatian international Marko Rog - HITC
Marko Rog hasn't set Serie A alight with Napoli, but is still said to have attracted the interest of Premier League Everton and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Everton, Celtic and Leicester to battle it out for prolific forward - Daily Star
Everton and Celtic are ready to battle it out for Rubin Kazan star Sardar Azmoun.

Manchester United draw highlights Everton U23s successful summer - Liverpool Echo
The young Blues drew 2-2 at Old Trafford - but showed they have a brilliant spine of a team.

Everton v Newcastle: match preview | Football - The Guardian
Newcastle can leapfrog Everton with a fifth consecutive league victory and Jonjo Shelvey will be keen to impress again to improve his chances of World Cup selection.

Luke Garbutt urged to find new club - Liverpool Echo
The defender hasn't played for the first-team since 2015.

What and How to Watch

Premier League: Everton vs Newcastle United, 3 p.m. ET, NBCSN
La Liga: Athletic Club vs Levante, 3 p.m. ET, beIN Sports
Serie A: Genoa vs Hellas Verona, 2:45 p.m. ET, fuboTV
Primeira Liga: Porto vs Vitoria Setubal, 3 p.m. ET, fuboTV
Super Lig: Fenerbahçe vs Antalyaspor, 1 p.m. ET, beIN Sports
MLB: Twins at Yankees, 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN
Nationals at Giants, 10:15 p.m. ET, MLBN
NBA: Celtics at Bucks, game 4, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
Warriors at Spurs, game 4, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Raptors at Wizards, game 4, 6 p.m. ET, TNT
Cavaliers at Pacers, 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT
NHL: Bruins at Maple Leafs, game 6, 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Capitals at Blue Jackets, game 6, 7:30 p.m. ET, CNBC

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