FORMER Colchester United loanee Luke Garbutt has signed for League Two side Salford City.

The 30-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Ammies, after he was released by Blackpool at the end of last season.

Garbutt is Salford's first summer signing, as they look to build a promotion challenge in the fourth tier, this season.

 

Garbutt told the Salford City FC website: "The drive and will from the club to want me to come and be a big part of what will hopefully be a successful season for us [convinced me to sign].

"The gaffer’s told me that he wants me to be a big part of the club moving forwards too, so that really attracted me, and I think with everything that’s going on at the club, rising through the leagues, I think the club’s on the up and I’m excited to be involved in it."

 

Garbutt made a big impression while on loan at Colchester from Everton, in the 2013-14 season.

The left-sided player made 20 appearances for the U’s in total, scoring three times.

Garbutt went onto have loan spells at the likes of Fulham and Ipswich Town before spending three years at Blackpool where he played 63 times, scoring four times.

 

Meanwhile, another ex-U's defender has a new club, after Miles Welch-Hayes left Harrogate Town to join Livingston.

The 26-year-old right-back has joined the Scottish Premiership side from League Two outfit Harrogate Town, having spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Altrincham.