Griff Retires

[davidatpreston]

Very best wishes for the future to a player whose heart was truly with his club at his time at Vale, always a pleasure to watch the effort he put in.

 

Whatever he does in the future, he will give it 100 per cent, that's for sure.

[old sage]

Griff will always be remembered fondly by many Valeites. The guy had a heart as big as a bucket. All the best for your future Griff lad.

[Bald Eagle]

Sad news. Not the biggest fan of him as a player, but always gave his all. The hip injury no doubt dates back to his last season with us, when he continued to play through the pain barrier. Growler Griff will indeed go down as a true cult hero in years to come

[mr burslem]

I remember when we beat Coventry 3-2...............4 minutes stoppage time..........I was down at the front of the Railway Paddock.......as Coventry attacked, Griff made FOUR vital tackles................ two points there that I think we definitely owed him.

He was a walking definition of courage that day.

Good luck, Griff.

[Trampilot]

Damn shame. Always remember some of his super-physical games - think home to Notts County when they ran away with L2.

 

Always be gay for Griff!

[Robbie Earle's Perm]

The thing about Griff was that he was a shining light in troubled times.

When our club was literally going under, Griff stood up for our club on the pitch. He wore our shirt with pride.

 

He will be very fondly remembered by myself. Never shirked a challenge. Never gave anything less than 100%. No world beater, far from it, but effort, commitment and endeavour was second to none.

 

Good luck with your next chapter Griff.

 

Here, here.

 

100% effort and aggression on the field and a really lovely guy off it.

 

As Hagrid said a shining light in a dark time generally for the club. Wonder what he made of the 'Go Gay for Griff' campaign?

 

Genuine heartfelt thanks from me and good luck for the future.

[smithie]

How likely is it that Griff would be reading these messages?

 

Just seems a bit odd to me to wish someone well when they most likely don't get the messages!

[JOHNNYAITCH]

It;s a chance for Vale fans to share with each other how they feel about him..a poster wishing him well is (probably) not trying to tell Griff that they wish him well but telling fellow OVFers that they wish him well and appreciate what he did during his time with us.

 

I rarely saw Griff play but he seemed to always give his all and did a valuable job at a difficult time..so it's a thanks and an all the best from me

[cheshirevaliant]

Looks like he's "done a Stockley" and un-retired. He's now playing for Droylsden.

[mr.hobblesworth]

Yeah, Alty fan I speak to on another forum says that they're all pretty hacked off about it.

 

Two weeks ago one of our summer signings (Antony Griffiths, the ex-Vale guy) was forced to retire due to an ongoing hip injury which he had failed to declare to us. He got the PFA involved and we ended up paying his contract off. Ten days later the **** appears for Droylsden in the FA Cup.

[Andyregs]

I cant see how he could have them pay him up and then play elsewhere? Sure they will have to be compensated?

[mr.hobblesworth]

You'd think so, wouldn't you. I also thought that players were insured so they could get a pay out in the event of any career ending injury. I am sure some Vale player (VDL or Earle spring to mind) couldn't play at some match in case the insurers found out.

[Little_Al]

Griff may not have taken the pay out yet and part of his settlement from Altrincham may be defaulted if he plays professionally again. However, I'm sure this is a reflection of his love for the game. It is also possible that a period of rest may have improved his condition. Play on Griff if you can and good luck.

[Robbie Earle's Perm]

How likely is it that Griff would be reading these messages?

 

Just seems a bit odd to me to wish someone well when they most likely don't get the messages!

 

Someone will know him and pass it on. Like in the case of Andy Hill.

[JOHNNYAITCH]

WoOnder what the rules are if he's not under contract there..just turning out to help them out andf for the fun of it