Griffiths could return,
WEST Bromwich Albion’s Josh Griffiths could be back at Cheltenham Town next season for another loan spell after a hugely successful first campaign in senior football.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper made his 50th outing for the Robins against Harrogate Town on Saturday, when a win secured the League Two title for manager Michael Duff’s side.
It capped a memorable year for Griffiths, who has kept 21 clean sheets in 44 league appearances, as well as earning his first call-up to the England Under21 squad.
He missed out on the division’s Golden Glove to Salford’s Vaclav Hladky and there has been interest in Griffiths from Southampton, who have watched him in action for Cheltenham in recent matches, but wherever he ends up playing in 2021/22 he wants to continue enjoying regular football and he said he would welcome a return.
“I’ve not spoken to West Brom too much about next season yet, but it’s all about playing games,” Griffiths said.
“Hopefully that is in League One or a higher level and my aim will be to get another 40 or 50 games and wherever that is, I want to be playing games.”
Geography could work in Cheltenham’s favour, with Griffiths based in nearby Ledbury, but he has also formed strong bonds this term.
“I can’t thank the manager and staff enough for showing their faith in me,” he said.
“I like to think I’ve repaid the club with my performances and what we’ve achieved as a team, but I’d like to say a huge thanks to the fans and everyone else associated, but the manager especially for giving me that chance.”
Griffiths has also thoroughly enjoyed working with goalkeeping coach Steve Book, the experienced Scott Flinders and fellow youngster Max Harris.
“I’ve loved every minute and we have a great ‘goalkeepers’ union’ with Scotty and Max also supporting me,” he said.
“Booky has been brilliant and kept me enjoying my football, which is when you play at your best. I can go to him with anything on or off the pitch.
“It took me a while to get used to his sense of humour! But we have a great balance of hard work, chat and a laugh as well and he’s great at helping me stay relaxed, which again is when you play your best football.”
One of the most challenging moments of Griffiths’ season came just before one of his highlights, demonstrating his mental strength.
He was beaten by a goal kick from Newport County’s Tom King on January 19, as Cheltenham drew 1-1 with the Exiles at the Jonny-rocks Stadium, setting a new world record in the process.
But four days later he shone on the big stage as Cheltenham gave soon-tobe-crowned Premier League champions, League Cup winners and now Champions League finalists Manchester City a major scare in the FA Cup fourth round on the same pitch.
“It doesn’t get much better than the Man City game, which gave me a real taste for wanting to play against those sorts of players week in, week out,” Griffiths said.
“The biggest challenge for a goalie is the ability to put things behind you and not get too high or low, however you’ve played and just focus on the next one.
“I have definitely progressed with my psychology and mentality and that’s been a big one for me this season.
“The aim now has to be winners’ medals around our necks, which would make this season an even better achievement.”
On the potential return of Griffiths, Duff said: That’s not my decision. Let’s get this season out of the way before we start planning next year.
“He’ll definitely be playing in at least League One next year, there is nothing more certain than that, going into the season as a 19-year-old with a promotion and 23 clean sheets under his belt.
“Whether it’s with us, or he goes on again, you don’t know what’s happening at his parent club in terms of looking like they are going to be relegated.
“Is the manager going to stay the same? If the manager changes, the new one will want to have a look at him for a couple of weeks.
“So there are so many things that have to go before it happens.
“Would we be interested in him next year? Absolutely.”