Lincoln City Outstanding Starlet Now Officially Agrees New Contract With This Statement
Former Lincoln City and Portsmouth goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has signed a new contract with Championship side West Bromwich Albion ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The 22-year-old has spent the majority of his career out on loan within the EFL but has opted to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Championship outfit, likely with a view to competing for a first-team place next season.
Griffiths has penned a new contract at the Hawthorns until June 2027, and spoke to the club’s website where he stated…
“It was a very easy decision for me to make, to extend my stay here at Albion. I’m really grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and the new contract.
“I’ve been here for such a long time now and I’ve got so many great memories and friends. I’ve also built some great relationships with the staff here.
“I really believe the club is going in one direction and that’s forwards. I think there’s an exciting few years ahead now with the new owner.
“My long-term goal is become Albion’s No.1, however, I’ve got to say I thought Alex Palmer was outstanding last season – probably the best goalkeeper in the league. We’ve got a great relationship both on and off the pitch.”
How did Griffiths fare last season?
Due to spending the 2023/24 campaign as the club’s number two, Griffiths struggled to make a lasting impression between the sticks for West Bromwich Albion
In total, the 22-year-old was limited to just three appearances which all came in cup competitions.
During that time, Griffiths conceded five goals and failed to keep a clean sheet but was a regular for the club’s Championship matchday squad.
Is this the correct move for Griffiths development?
Since signing his professional contract, Griffiths has spent time on loan at Lincoln City, Portsmouth and Cheltenham Town but hasn’t managed to establish himself as the number one at the Hawthorns.
During his time out on loan, Griffiths made over 100 appearances, keeping 33 clean sheets in the process in all competitions.
West Bromwich Albion opted to use Alex Palmer last season, who helped them to reach the play-offs before their eventual defeat in the semi-finals and this will likely be the case once again next season.
However, although he would likely receive a lot more first-team minutes if he were to leave the Hawthorns this summer, being able to work alongside one of the best-performing goalkeepers in the division last season will only continue to benefit Griffiths’ development and make him a better goalkeeper.
