Anthony Griffith

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Anthony Griffith
Anthony Griffith.JPG
Griffith at Vale Park (September 2010).
Personal information
Full name Anthony James Griffith[1]
Date of birth 28 October 1986 (1986-10-28) (age 25)[2]
Place of birth Huddersfield, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[2]
Playing position Holding midfielder
Club information
Current club Port Vale
Number 4
Youth career
2003–2005 Halifax Town
2005–2006 Doncaster Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2006–2008 Doncaster Rovers 6 (0)
2006 → Oxford United (loan) 0 (0)
2006–2007 → Darlington (loan) 4 (0)
2007 → Stafford Rangers (loan) 20 (0)
2007–2008 → Halifax Town (loan) 37 (4)
2008– Port Vale 145 (2)
National team‡
2011– Montserrat 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 00:00, 28 January 2012 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 00:00, 18 July 2011 (UTC)

Anthony James Griffith (born 28 October 1986 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire) is an English-born Montserrat international footballer who plays for League Two side Port Vale. He is also captain of his national team. He is noted as a tough tackling holding midfielder, though at times this has led to him to having a poor disciplinary record.[3]

Impressing at non-league Halifax Town, he turned professional with Doncaster Rovers in 2005. Used sparingly in 2005–06, he was loaned out to Oxford United in March 2006, though did not make it onto the pitch. In 2006–07 he was loaned out to Darlington and Stafford Rangers, before he spent the 2007–08 campaign on loan at Halifax Town. In April 2008 he signed with Port Vale, and became a first team regular in 2008–09. He remained a key first team figure in 2009–10 and 2010–11, and was voted the club's Player of the Year in 2010.

Contents

[edit] Club career

As a youth, Griffith played for Stile Common, alongside Cameron Jerome, Fraizer Campbell, and Reuben Noble-Lazarus; who all went on to enjoy careers as professional players.[4] Griffith and Jerome also played for Yorkshire Counties.[4]

Griffith started his senior career at Halifax Town as a sixteen year old. Impressing at the non-league side, he was snapped up by Doncaster Rovers in 2005.[5] However he never made it as a regular first team player at "Donny" and was instead loaned out to four lower league clubs over two years. On 21 March 2006, he joined Oxford United on a month long loan.[6] However he never made it onto the pitch for the League Two side.

On 23 November 2007 he joined Darlington, again of League Two, on another one month spell.[7] He made for appearances for the club. He then spent three months with Conference club Stafford Rangers from 26 January 2007,[8] making a total of twenty appearances. Despite only featuring in the first two rounds of the competition, he received a Football League Trophy winners medal after Doncaster won the 2007 final.[9] He then spent the entire 2007–08 season on loan at former club Halifax Town.[10] He made close to forty appearances before returning to Doncaster, where he was subsequently released.

Griffith was signed by Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott in April 2008.[11] He spent much of the 2008–09 season at right-back under new manager Dean Glover.[12] For the 2009–10 season, new manager Micky Adams elected to return Griffith to the role of 'midfield enforcer'.[12] He was transfer listed in late September, along with the entire Port Vale squad, after manager Micky Adams saw his team slip to a third consecutive defeat.[13] He remained in the first team however, and was playing in the form of his life under Adams,[14] striking up a midfield pairing with Tommy Fraser, who he also shared a house with.[15] His committed performances made him "a darling of the terraces",[16] though he also picked up fourteen yellow cards throughout the season. At the end of the season he was offered a two year contract,[17] and was given the Player of the Year, as well as the Official away travel Player of the Year awards.[18] He duly signed the contract.[19]

"I was playing out of position in my first season, and this year it was just a case of proving that I can play in the middle of midfield."
—Griffith explains his motivation to perform in 2009–10.[20]

On 28 August 2010 Griffith scored from 25-yards at Vale Park past Torquay United's Scott Bevan in a 2–1 reverse.[21] The goal would prove to be more important to Griffith himself and the Torquay opposition than to his own club, the fine strike his first in the Football League,[22] and his first in Port Vale colours.[23] It also ended the Gulls' run without conceding a league goal at the 998 minute mark,[24] a club record but not a Football League record. He started the season strongly, forming a solid midfield partnership with Gary Roberts.[25] Despite losing his place to Doug Loft following an injury that kept him sidelined for a month, he returned to post 45 appearances in 2010–11.[26]

He retained his first team place at the start of the 2011–12 campaign, and refused to put his international career ahead of his club career.[27] On 14 October, he marked his 150th appearance for the "Valiants" with his second Football League goal – a 35 yard strike past Northampton Town.[28] His good form caused assistant manager Mark Grew to worry that other clubs at a higher level might wish to sign him.[29] He was named in the League Two Team of the Week for his performance in the 1–0 win over Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium on 21 January.[30]

[edit] International career

Griffith was raised in the Brackenhall area of Huddersfield,[5] but qualified for the Montserrat national side through his Montserrat-born father.[31] He received his international call-up in June 2011 to compete in the nation's World Cup qualifying campaign,[31] despite never having visited the tiny island nation of 4,600 inhabitants.[26] He was also appointed as team captain.[32] Most of his teammates were amateur players.[33] Before his call-up Montserrat had recorded only two victories in their 25 game history, both coming against Anguilla in 1995. His debut came against Belize, who beat Montserrat 5–2 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago on 15 June.[34] The second leg was postponed over FIFA's concerns with the Belize government,[35] leaving the possibility of a bye for Montserrat. However the match was re-scheduled, and the Belize progressed with a 3–1 win (8–3 on aggregate).[36]

[edit] Style of play

Griffith is usually a popular player with fans due to his 'tigerish displays'. He is best suited to the right-back or midfield position. He has struggled with his inconsistent and at times inaccurate distribution skills, though he does have a decent passing range.[37] He has also been praised for his tremendous work ethic by Port Vale's assistant manager Mark Grew.[38]

"Griff is tenacious, he likes a tackle and he's got a great engine. Certainly with Griff, we know he's going to give us 100 per cent effort, he's going to win his tackles and get around the pitch – I like that."
—Port Vale boss Micky Adams explains the appeal of having Griffith in the first eleven.[12]

In addition to his on-the-pitch skills, he is also considered to be a good character off of it. Micky Adams declared that: "he's a great character, a good bloke, and you can rely on him. If my daughter came home with him, I'd be delighted."[39]

[edit] Personal life

Griffith is a cousin of Grenadian international striker Delroy Facey.[26] He also has a lot of relatives in Jamaica.[40]

[edit] Statistics

[edit] Club level

Griffith helping Port Vale to a 1–0 victory over Aldershot Town in September 2010.
Club performance League Cup League Cup Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
England League FA Cup League Cup Total
2005–06[41] Doncaster Rovers League One 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2005–06[41] Oxford United League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2006–07[42] Doncaster Rovers League One 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 0
2006–07[42] Darlington League Two 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2006–07[42] Stafford Rangers Conference National 20 0 0 0 0 0 20 0
2007–08[43] Doncaster Rovers League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007–08[43] Halifax Town Conference National 37 4 1 0 0 0 39 4
2008–09[44] Port Vale League Two 38 0 2 0 1 0 42 0
2009–10[45] Port Vale League Two 40 0 3 0 3 0 48 0
2010–11[46] Port Vale League Two 40 1 2 0 2 0 45 1
2011–12[47] Port Vale League Two 27 1 2 0 1 0 31 1
Total England 212 6 10 0 8 0 238 6
Career total 212 6 10 0 8 0 238 6
Notes

[edit] International level

Scores and results list Montserrat's goal tally first.
Caps Date Venue Opponent Result Competition Scored Location
01 (00) 2011-06-14 Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva  Belize 2–5 2014 World Cup qualifier 0 Trinidad and Tobago
02 (00) 2011-07-17 Estadio Olímpico, San Pedro Sula  Belize 1–3 2014 World Cup qualifier 0 Honduras

[edit] Honours

with Doncaster Rovers
Individual

[edit] References

  1. ^ "search births indexes 1837 - 2006". Findmypast.com. http://www.findmypast.co.uk/birth-indexes-search-start.action?redef=0. Retrieved 2 May 2009. 
  2. ^ a b "Name: Anthony Griffith". port-vale.co.uk. http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10381~36172,00.html. Retrieved 13 September 2011. 
  3. ^ "Griffith attitude puts off Wilder". BBC Sport. 2 January 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/halifax_town/7167791.stm. Retrieved 20 May 2009. 
  4. ^ a b "Stoke City: Old pals breach the Potteries' footballing divide". The Sentinel: The New Green UN. 15 October 2011. pp. 3. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Old-pals-breach-Potteries-footballing/story-13565505-detail/story.html. Retrieved 15 October 2011. 
  5. ^ a b "Port Vale: Griffith going for a Terriers treble". The Sentinel. 27 November 2009. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Griffith-going-Terriers-treble/article-1554016-detail/article.html. Retrieved 27 November 2009. 
  6. ^ "Oxford snap up teenager Griffiths". BBC Sport. 21 March 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/4829570.stm. Retrieved 20 May 2009. 
  7. ^ "Quakers bag defender Albrighton". BBC Sport. 23 November 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/darlington/6176848.stm. Retrieved 20 May 2009. 
  8. ^ "Duo extend loan deals at Stafford". BBC Sport. 1 March 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stafford_rangers/6407445.stm. Retrieved 20 May 2009. 
  9. ^ "Port Vale: Griffith looking for final appearance". The Sentinel. 30 August 2011. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Griffith-looking-final-appearance/story-13230358-detail/story.html. Retrieved 30 August 2011. 
  10. ^ "Halifax sign midfielder on loan". BBC Sport. 14 August 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/halifax_town/6945746.stm. Retrieved 20 May 2009. 
  11. ^ "First summer signings for Sinnott". BBC Sport. 29 April 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7373498.stm. Retrieved 20 May 2009. 
  12. ^ a b c Shaw, Steve (18 August 2009). "Port Vale: Griffith happy to be back in middle ground". The Sentinel. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Griffith-happy-middle-ground/article-1258789-detail/article.html. Retrieved 18 August 2009. 
  13. ^ "Adams puts Vale squad up for sale". BBC Sport. 27 September 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8277136.stm. Retrieved 27 September 2009. 
  14. ^ "Midfielder inspired by Vale boss". BBC Sport. 22 October 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8318714.stm. Retrieved 22 October 2009. 
  15. ^ Shaw, Steve (3 February 2010). "Port Vale: Griffith happy with midfield marriage". The Sentinel. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Griffith-happy-midfield-marriage/article-1798759-detail/article.html. Retrieved 3 February 2010. 
  16. ^ "Port Vale: Battling Griff on the brink". The Sentinel. 5 May 2010. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Battling-Griff-brink/article-2108950-detail/article.html. Retrieved 5 May 2010. 
  17. ^ "Anthony Griffith offered new two-year deal by Port Vale". BBC Sport. 5 May 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8662230.stm. Retrieved 5 May 2010. 
  18. ^ Owen, Jon (12 May 2010). "Port Vale: Griffith takes home top accolade". The Sentinel. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Griffith-takes-home-accolade/article-2145856-detail/article.html. Retrieved 12 May 2010. 
  19. ^ "Port Vale deals for Griffith, McCombe, Martin & Taylor". BBC Sport. 13 May 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8678819.stm. Retrieved 2010-05-13. 
  20. ^ "Anthony Griffith voted Port Vale's player of the year". BBC Sport. 12 May 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8677421.stm. Retrieved 12 May 2010. 
  21. ^ "Port Vale 1 - 2 Torquay". BBC Sport. 28 August 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8922564.stm. Retrieved 28 August 2010. 
  22. ^ "Anthony Griffith works hard for first Port Vale goal". BBC Sport. 29 August 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8953116.stm. Retrieved 29 August 2010. 
  23. ^ "Match report: Port Vale 1 Torquay United 2". The Sentinel. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Match-report-Port-Vale-1-Torquay-United-2/article-2581453-detail/article.html. Retrieved 28 August 2010. 
  24. ^ "We Were Worthy Winners". torquayunited.com. 28 August 2010. http://www.torquayunited.com/page/Bench/0,,10445~2138313,00.html. Retrieved 28 August 2010. 
  25. ^ Shaw, Steve (11 September 2010). "Port Vale: Griffith targets more goals after breaking Vale duck". The Sentinel. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Griffith-targets-goals-breaking-Vale-duck/article-2631340-detail/article.html. Retrieved 11 September 2010. 
  26. ^ a b c "Port Vale midfielder Anthony Griffith ready for call-up". BBC Sport. 15 December 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9288597.stm. Retrieved 2011-05-30. 
  27. ^ "Anthony Griffith to put Port Vale ahead of Montserrat". BBC Sport. 7 October 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15198108.stm. Retrieved 7 October 2011. 
  28. ^ "Port Vale 3 - 0 Northampton". BBC Sport. 14 October 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15210273.stm. Retrieved 15 October 2011. 
  29. ^ "Grew expects interest in Port Vale's Anthony Griffith". BBC Sport. 18 October 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15356027.stm. Retrieved 18 October 2011. 
  30. ^ "Team of the Week". port-vale.co.uk. 24 January 2012. http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2586929,00.html. Retrieved 24 January 2012. 
  31. ^ a b "Port Vale's Anthony Griffith called up by Montserrat". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9504101.stm. Retrieved 4 June 2011. 
  32. ^ "Skipper Honour for Griffith". port-vale.co.uk. 12 June 2011. http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2375082,00.html. Retrieved 13 June 2011. 
  33. ^ "World Cup 2014: Trinidad to host qualifying opener". BBC Sport. 15 June 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13776058.stm. Retrieved 19 June 2011. 
  34. ^ "Montserrat - Belize". fifa.com. 15 June 2011. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=258091/match=300163072/report.html. Retrieved 16 June 2011. 
  35. ^ "Belize Football Federation faces World Cup expulsion". BBC Sport. 19 June 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13830127.stm. Retrieved 19 June 2011. 
  36. ^ "Belize - Montserrat". fifa.com. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=258091/match=300166902/report.html. Retrieved 18 July 2011. 
  37. ^ "Port Vale: Fans' favourite hoping to play his way to new deal". The Sentinel. 12 February 2010. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Fans-favourite-hoping-play-way-new-deal/article-1825167-detail/article.html?cacheBust=56h9z912ld3Y&authid=AMCFpuhiEQT6l8hL4ielEGHd57SKvfCjmQA9pqVOSeTyNKEQ1265985878973&success=true#community. Retrieved 12 February 2010. 
  38. ^ "Port Vale: Griff reaping rewards of hard work, says Grew". The Sentinel. 19 October 2011. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Griff-reaping-rewards-hard-work-says/story-13599600-detail/story.html. Retrieved 19 October 2011. 
  39. ^ "Port Vale v Barnet". BBC Sport. 19 February 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8495941.stm. Retrieved 19 February 2010. 
  40. ^ "Port Vale: Griff ignores derby delights to focus on game in hand". The Sentinel. 28 January 2012. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Griff-ignores-derby-delights-focus-game/story-15062515-detail/story.html. Retrieved 28 January 2012. 
  41. ^ a b "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=135. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  42. ^ a b c "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=136. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  43. ^ a b "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=137. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  44. ^ "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=138. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  45. ^ "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=139. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  46. ^ "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=140. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  47. ^ "Games played by Anthony Griffith in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42916&season_id=141. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 

[edit] External links
Port Vale F.C. – current squad
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