Bristol Rovers set to loan ‘one of the most talented goalkeepers in the country’ from West Brom

Bristol Rovers are set to take West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths on loan for the 2024/25 season after missing out on Cameron Dawson, who opted to join Rotherham United.

Birmingham Live report that Griffith has been given the go-ahead to move to Mem in what will be his fourth separate temporary spell away from the Hawthorns, following spells at Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Portsmouth. The latter two being in Ligue 1 at the time, he already has 55 appearances at this level under his belt.

The expected signing of Griffiths casts a degree of doubt over Jed Ward’s position as Gas No1, but Rovers had always planned to sign a goalkeeper this summer, a move by Dawson that failed due to delayed negotiations leading to the destruction of the Millers and his. offering a move closer to home.

Hereford-born Griffiths is highly regarded at West Brom, having signed through their academy as a 10-year-old. The 22-year-old made 10 league appearances for the Baggies during the 2022/23 Championship campaign and featured in three FA Cup and League Cup matches 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 great product of our academy and the excellent work they do. He is a special person who I believe will be a special goalkeeper in the future of our club.”

With Alex Palmer blocking his route to the first team and the Baggies waiting to add Joe Wildsmith at No.2, Corberan opted 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 demote Ward, Rovers’ academy product, to second-choice depending on Griffiths’ performance in pre-season, with Saturday’s friendly against Bath City at Twerton Park providing a first glimpse of 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. With the latter currently second choice without first-team experience, at least Griffiths’ arrival brings some depth to the position.

It would also take Rovers’ signings up to nine for the summer, seven of which will be in the defensive end of the pitch. It is also the second loan signing following Michael Forbes’ move from West Ham, which was confirmed last Friday.

The Gas hope to add more attacking fire and creativity to the final third in the coming days and weeks, leading up to the season opener against Northampton Town on August 10.