West Brom loanee Josh Griffiths unfairly made Portsmouth scapegoat
Josh Griffiths has been made the scapegoat at Portsmouth despite the West Brom youngster not being at fault, according to The News in Portsmouth.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper was brought in on loan this season, replacing now-Southampton starter Gavin Bazunu after the Irishman’s own temporary move.
The young Albion man has been the regular starter on the south coast, making 18 appearances across all competitions.
But he has been heavily criticised by Pompey fans recently, particularly after conceding to Hereford in the FA Cup on 4 November, and during the 3-0 defeat against Charlton on 17 October.
According to The News: “The on-loan West Brom keeper has been on the receiving end of some heavy criticism from sections of the Blues’ fan base, who have questioned his ability and distribution just months after arriving on the south coast.”
But the point has been made that his teammates have put him in trouble and he has unfairly been the one who bore the brunt of it as the story concludes with the line: “There’s no doubt, he’s currently a Pompey scapegoat through no fault of his own.”
Baptism of fire
There are high hopes for Griffiths at the Hawthorns and the season on loan at Fratton Park will be a learning experience however it goes.
If he can come through the extra challenge of having his own fans on his back, especially if he is not the one at fault, it will probably aid his development.
But for a youngster it will still be a tough situation to deal with, despite the overall fortunes at Portsmouth looking reasonably good for a play off place at least.
Bazunu translated his strong season at the club in the previous campaign into a move to become a Premier League starter.
Carlos Corberan must have designs on Griffiths doing the same next year with the Baggies, if the upturn in form can provide a late run to the Championship play offs.
David Button has lost his place and Alex Palmer has shown some quality, but if Griffiths develops at the speed the club hopes it is surely going to be his job long term if he proves he deserves it.
In other West Brom news, a former Baggies player is delighted by a major behind the scenes move by a club legend.