Bristol Rovers are set to loan West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths for the 2024/25 season, after missing out Cameron Dawson who elected to join Rotherham United.
Birmingham Live report that Griffiths has been given the green light to move to the Mem in what will be fourth separate temporary spell away from the Hawthorns following stints at Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Portsmouth. With the latter two being in League One at the time, he has 55 appearances at this level already under his belt.
The expected acquisition of Griffiths does cast a degree of doubt over Jed Ward’s position as Gas No1 but Rovers had always planned to recruit a goalkeeper this summer with a move for Dawson breaking down over a delays in negotiations which led to the Millers’ swooping him and offering a move closer to home.
Hereford-born Griffiths is highly valued at West Brom, having emerged through their academy after signing at the age of 10. The 22-year-old has made 10 league appearances for the Baggies, during the 2022/23 Championship campaign, and played in three FA Cup and League Cup ties last term.
Baggies head coach Carlos Corberan said of Griffiths in May: “He is one of the most talented young goalkeepers in the country and a fine product of our academy and the excellent work they do. He is a special person who I believe will go on to be a special goalkeeper in the future of our club.”
With Alex Palmer blocking his route to the first-team and the Baggies expected to add Joe Wildsmith as No2, Corberan has elected to send Griffith – who signed a contract extension at the end of last season – down the M5 to north Bristol to earn more regular senior minutes.
That could well relegate Rovers’ own academy product Ward to second choice, depending on how Griffiths performs over pre-season, with Saturday’s friendly against Bath City at Twerton Park offering a first look at the loanee.
Ward played the first 45 minutes of Rovers’ 4-2 win over Melksham Town with Matt Hall then between the posts for the second half. Given the latter is currently second choice with no first-team experience, at the very least Griffiths’ arrival brings some depth to the position.
It would also take Rovers’ incomings up to nine for the summer, seven of which will be in the defensive end of the pitch. It’s also the second loan signing following Michael Forbes’ move from West Ham, which was confirmed last Friday.
The Gas are hoping to add more attacking firepower and creativity in the final third over the coming days and weeks, building up to the start of the season against Northampton Town on August 10.