Josh Griffiths has taken to social media to issue a message to Bristol Rovers after the goalkeeper was recalled from his season-long loan at the Mem by West Brom on deadline day.
The 23-year-old has played every minute of the Gas’ League One campaign so far as well as making five cup appearances, producing countless excellent saves that have saved Rovers a number of points.
It’s up for limited debate that the goalkeeper has been the Gas’ player of the season so far in what’s overall been a difficult campaign for the club and his shock return to the Baggies on Monday night was a major blow.
However, Griffiths has since taken to Instagram to write a farewell message, stating: “It’s been a pleasure to play for this club! Wish everyone all the best for the future, the players, staff and fans. Thanks for everything!”
Rovers were alerted of West Brom’s intention to trigger the recall clause in the goalkeeper’s loan agreement on Monday morning, something that the club stated was “unexpected” in their official confirmation of the news.
The Baggies had sanctioned a deal to sell first choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer to Ipswich Town with news breaking elsewhere on Monday morning that the West Midlands outfit would be recalling the 23-year-old as a response. It is understood that new West Brom manager Tony Mowbray has every intention of making Griffiths their new number one.
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As a result of losing Griffiths, Rovers have recalled academy graduate Jed Ward from his loan spell at National League promotion chasers Forest Green Rovers as well as signing 23-year-old Myles Roberts on loan from Watford.
Ward made 18 league appearances in the second half of last season and impressed while Roberts has spent the first half of this season in the Scottish Championship with Partick Thistle.
It is currently unclear who Inigo Calderon plans to make his new number one with Rovers not in action for another week when they host Stockport County on February 11.