Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Josh keen to keep playing
WEST Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths could be back at Cheltenham next term for another loan spell after a successful first campaign in senior football.
The 19-year-old is set to make his 50th outing for the Robins against Harrogate today, when a win would secure the Sky Bet League Two title for manager Michael Duff’s side.
That would cap a memorable year for Griffiths, who has kept 21 clean sheets in 43 League appearances, as well as earning his first call-up to the England Under-21 squad.
He could also finish top of the shut-out table, with Salford’s Vaclav Hladky also on 21 going into the final day of the regular season.
There has been interest in Griffiths from Southampton, who have seen him in action for Cheltenham in recent matches, but wherever he ends up playing in 2021/22 he wants regular first-team football.
“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 Town’s favour, with Griffiths based in nearby Ledbury, but he has also formed strong bonds this term. He added: “I can’t thank the manager and staff enough for showing faith in me.
“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 thoroughly enjoyed working with 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 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, and he’s great at helping me stay relaxed, which again is when you play your best football.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Freestone has signed a new two-year contract with Cheltenham. The 21-year-old defender arrived at the club last summer after leaving Premier League club Brighton, having started his career at Peterborough.