Andy Griffin Released

[Whore Jackie]

My favourite 'non-starring' player for many a year. No doubt, in my mind, that the foundations of our defensive solidity were set when he joined. The back four just seemed a whole lot more organised, began to talk to each other and gave Federici the confidence he needed to be the player he now is. A classy, no-nonsense, old-school defender.

Two personal favourite Griff moments. Two seasons ago, Jonas Gutierrez was wasting time taking a throw-on, ball was near Griffin and he spanked it straight back into Gutierrez' bollocks with a deadly stare. In his first few days with the club, he must have been staying at the hotel. One night he was having a quiet beer in the Atrium unknown to him it was also the night of the RFC Sporting Dinner. In strolled Brian, JM, Nicky Hammond, at which point Griff hid his beer in the bar shrubbery and skulked off.

[TFF]

Does this mean he's missed the Spain trip?

All the best Griff x

[Ian Royal]

Cheers Griff, you really made a difference when you came in originally. And you did a job at times when needed this season. Thanks for the good times and good luck at your next club.

[melonhead]

good player- good servant.


loved his little aggressive niggly streak

cheers for all the fish

[Extended-Phenotype]

He was one of the most composed and intelligent players we had on the pitch. Great player and wish him all the best.

[TBM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UAMixRPemg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx68HyfIXnk

[Terminal Boardom]

As I have said before, when Griff joined, his performances were essential in steering us away from the wrong end of the table. Great pro and I wish him well wherever he ends up or whatever he does.

[General B]

My favourite 'non-starring' player for many a year. No doubt, in my mind, that the foundations of our defensive solidity were set when he joined. The back four just seemed a whole lot more organised, began to talk to each other and gave Federici the confidence he needed to be the player he now is. A classy, no-nonsense, old-school defender.

I'm with Whore Jackie on this one.

[Gordons Cumming]

I thought he had class, very rarely gave the ball away, good positional sense but his lack of pace is probably what worried BMc about the offering him another deal

I would argue about his good positional sense.

[Croydon Royal]

Agree with pretty much all of what's been posted here. A classy player and real catalyst for the turnaround under McDermott. Loved his no-nonsense approach and the way he gave the rest of the defence confidence. Certainly my favourite non-regular player.

I'd also say that I think he helped spark some of Kebe's best performances. Jimmy seemed to enjoy playing with him and thrived on the fact that he was supported by a right-back who wasn't afraid to go aggressively in if one of his tricks or runs didn't come off. And judging by player comments on Twitter and anecdotes from other players, it seems like Griff was one of the most popular players at the club - and that's a big thing considering how much of a deal McDermott has made about it being a 'squad game' with 'the right personalities' needed.

[pea]

Great professional and solid right back when we needed it most, but his style of play was holding us back when Shaun Cummings had more than proven himself deserving of a first team place. Been a very good signing but this is the right time to move forward.

Best of luck Griff

[TBM]

I thought he had class, very rarely gave the ball away, good positional sense but his lack of pace is probably what worried BMc about the offering him another deal

I would argue about his good positional sense.

That doesn't surprise me

[M-U-R-T-Y]

Hope he reads this thread.

Thoroughly top bloke and put in some great performances, did a key job here.

Cheers Griff, all the best.

[floyd__streete]

No great surprise here but I wish him all the best.

Have a good one! All the best!

[M-U-R-T-Y]

"Brett Williams and Cedric Baseya are all out of contract this summer and unlikely to be given new deals."

Any excuse to have a dig, FL!

[Dawn]

Nice video clip of Griff on the official site.

Shows how much winning the title meant to him.

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2757130,00.html

[andrew1957]

For me it was when Griffin came in that we looked more than relegation fodder in 2010 so for that we should always be grateful. Good player.

Good luck Griff and I hope you find a good club.

[Libertine]

Best of luck Griff. Not unexpected but still sad to see him go. He was a very important part of the process which got us to where we are. A true professional's professional. Hope he hooks on somewhere next year...

[Bill Oddie]

Yes Griff has gone to Spain with the rest of the lads. Real shame to see him go as I loved watching him play, a real no nonsense old fashioned defender. Shame he never managed to score for us in his 69 appearances, at least he got a couple of medals during his time here. Decent fella too by all accounts.

Thanks for the memories Andy and good luck in the future.

[Ian Royal]

He was such a clever defender. Went up against so many classy and pacey wingers in his time with us and made most of them look nothing special with his experience. And he could make a smart turn into space and play a tidy ball forward as well.

Pleased he played his part this season and got the medal, he deserves it.