Portsmouth have ‘protection’ in loan deal for West Brom youngster Josh Griffiths
Danny Cowley has revealed Portsmouth have “protection” stipulations involved in any immediate recall for West Brom loanee Josh Griffiths.
It was understood the Baggies have an immediate recall for the 21-year-old (Joe Chapman, 16 September) inserted into his loan arrangement on the South Coast.
However, it’s since been revealed by Cowley that it may not be as straightforward as it seems when it comes to the Albion taking Griffiths back to The Hawthorns.
“He’s here on loan but there are certain stipulations on that loan that give us protection,” said the Pompey boss (quoted by Express and Star, 20 October).
“But, of course, whenever a managerial change happens, you are always aware of it.”
Let him be
These stipulations surrounding Griffiths are probably in case of the Baggies face an injury crisis in goal. It’s unlikely they will be able to recall him without reason. At the moment, Griffiths is far better off remaining at Fratton Park and playing regular first-team football.
He has come under fire of late, partially due to the Fratton faithful’s frustration at recent results, but under Cowley, he is in the perfect hands to develop into a top-class keeper. The work the Pompey boss did with Gavin Bazunu demonstrates how successful he is with younger players.
If West Brom did recall Griffiths, it would be unlikely he would see much game time with Alex Palmer and David Button both ahead of the youngster in The Hawthorns’ pecking order.
For any young player, featuring regularly is the most important thing and although it’s tough for Griffiths at the moment, it will benefit him massively in the long run.
In other West Brom news, John Terry was spotted fuming on Twitter after a Baggies suggestion during Chelsea v Leeds United.