FansNetwork/The Arse - Should Micky Drop Griff?

By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our terms and conditions

The latest stories from across FansNetwork... Football/Leeds United/Leeds set to miss out on another "target"? - Despite reported interest in that Big Georgian defender who opted to stay in Turkey midweek (don't ask me to spell his name!) Leeds are set to miss out on another supposed target Motherwell winger Chris Humphrey who is reportedly interesting Rangers new co. However, fear not folks, apparently Humphrey's was never top of Brian McDermott's list anyway! Football/Southampton/Player Review 12/13 - Paulo Gazzaniga - In the second in the series we look at Paolo Gazzaniga and his contribution to a first season back in the Premier League. Football/Southampton/Player Review 12/13 - Kelvin Davis - The first of our look at what sort of season that each individual player has had on our return to the Premiership and we start with Kelvin Davis. Football/Leeds United/Leeds yet to bid for Bolton cast-off Mills - Bolton Wanderers are very keen to get Matt Mills off their wage bill, but so far Leeds haven’t made a formal enquiry about signing the player. Football/Southampton/Saints Set To Clear The Decks - There are likely to be a few lockers cleared out at Staplewood this summer as Saints look likely to let a few players leave the club. Football/Southampton/Subscribe To The Upcoming Book - Saints supporters have an opportunity to suscribe to an exciting new publication from the excellent Hagiology Publishing. Football/Leeds United/Drunken Dioufy abused "poor" punters - The Daily Mirror today report that El Hadji Diouf was drunk and abusing revellers in a bar earlier this week, however the bar owner denies he was "beaten up" as his bodyguards, believed to be Senegalese Wrestlers came to his aid. Football/Leeds United/Healy heads up latest list of Leeds old boys after a new club! - David Healy is the latest ex big name Leeds star to be left searching for a new club this summer after he was released by Bury. Football/Leeds United/No bids for Byram....but is that all about to change? - Brian McDermott insists Sam Byram wants to stay at Leeds, we want to keep him and there have been no bids for him. However is it a worrying sign that the Leeds boss is talking publically again about the 19-year-old sensation? Football/Southampton/Programme & Memorabilia Fair This Saturday - The annual Southampton programme and memorabilia fair takes place this weekend, just yards away from the site of the Dell.

Should Micky Drop Griff?
Sun 17th Oct 2010 12:36 by portvale4ever

Midfielder Anthony Griffith may have been the Fans Player-Of-The-Season in the last campaign, the self styled 'hatchet man' winning over the faithful with his combatitive attitude, but does he currently deserve a place in the starting line-up?

Despite making leaps-and-bounds last season under Micky Adams there has always been a flaw to Griff's game. He looks clumsy and uncomfortable with the ball at his feet, and his distribution is certainly not the best. These deficiencies have been masked by his other attributes - namely the full-on desire to win the ball and his willingness to jump into challenges that others would run a million miles from.

Even the biggest Griff Fan would have to admit that he has been poor this season, contributing very little to the cause, and with Vale finding themselves in a bit of a 'rut' his performances are now coming under scrutiny. Part of the reason for his apparent dip in form is, I believe, due to the displays we've seen from his midfield partner - Gary Roberts. Roberts has been a revelation, and through August and September controlled games, moving the ball with pace all over the pitch. This has left Griff as a peripheral figure, the midfield battles that he was relishing last season have been usurped by the class of Roberts. Griff has almost become redundant.

So, if Griff was dropped who would play alongside Roberts? The candidates are Tommy Fraser, Doug Loft and possibly Louis Dodds, who has yet to find a settled position under Adams. Fraser, like Griff, has yet to shine this season, and could well suffer a similiar fate as Griff were he to partner Roberts. Dodds can offer a threat going forward, but may well be considered by Adams to be a little 'lightweight' for central midfield. Which leaves us with Loft. Dougie has had a 'stop start' career at Vale since joining us last summer, injuries preventing him from nailing a regular place in the starting line up, but he can pick a pass, and has an attacking edge to his game. I'd lke to see him given a run of games alongside Roberts, and a shake up is definitely needed.