Port Vale: Returning Griffith steeled for promotion mission

ANTHONY Griffith has returned to Port Vale determined to help get them over the promotion finishing line.

The 26-year-old spent four years at Vale Park before leaving for League One Leyton Orient in the summer.

But he's back on loan until the end of the season with an important mission in mind.

"I'm here to help get the job done," he said.

"The team are in a great position and if I can add something that helps us win promotion, then that would be amazing.

"I'm well aware of what's at stake for the club and I know results haven't quite been going for us lately.

"Hopefully, I can help shore things up and make us a bit more solid.

"When you bring people in, it's obviously to add something to the squad and I hope I can do that, both on and off the pitch."

The tough-tackling midfielder, who goes straight into the squad for tonight's game against Bradford City (7.45pm), says Vale might have to grind out results between now and the end of the season.

If so, he reckons he's just the man for the job.

"There aren't many games left now and it's about doing the nitty-gritty stuff," he added.

"Nobody is going to say I'm here to play fantastic football. I am what I am.

"Hopefully I can help us knuckle down, get organised and steady the ship."

Griffith has made 26 appearances for Orient this season, but hasn't featured for the Londoners since the beginning of last month.

"The first I heard of a possible move was on Saturday night," he explained, "and I jumped at the chance.

"I'd been out of the side at Orient, and that's the worst feeling ever.

"I was here for four years and played games every season, so it was a bit annoying to have started the season at a new club and then be left out.

"I'm the kind of person that just wants to be playing games and enjoying football. Hopefully I can do that here again."

Griffith first arrived at Vale Park in April 2008 on a free transfer from Doncaster Rovers.

He spent much of his first season with the club at right-back under then manager Dean Glover, but returned to midfield when Micky Adams, below, took charge, winning Vale's player of the year award in 2010.

Griffith says the chance to work with Adams again was a major factor in his return.

"I know the gaffer well and the way he sets up," he said, "and that's a big help.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of what he's trying to achieve here and hopefully I can drop back into it straight away.

"I know there are no guarantees of a shirt, but I'm here to make a difference if I can."

Griffith's contract at Brisbane Road runs until the end of next season, and though he's due to return to the O's in the summer, he hinted at interest of a permanent move.

"I've thought about it," he admitted, "but I'll just do what I can do for now and see what happens."

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