Stoke City goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has spoken about his summer move from West Bromwich Albion and his relationship with Viktor Johansson. The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined Stoke City at the start of the summer, identified by coach Darren Behcet as someone who he could nurture towards their potential. Griffiths had spent 14 years on the books at West Bromwich Albion, making 45 appearances and representing England as they won the under-21s European Championship in 2023. He has joined a competitive department headed by number one Viktor Johansson and he’s enjoying his new surroundings.

What happened?

Griffiths said: “I was at Albion since I was a kid really,” he said. “I’ve been on a few loans which has been similar in terms of moving into a new environment but you’ve always had that safety net of going back to your parent club. Now it’s a bit of a leap of faith coming somewhere completely new.

Why it matters for Stoke City

Griffiths said: “There was excitement to come and try something different and everyone from staff and players have made it so easy to settle in. I was never worried really. It’s been really easy. “It’s been really good, I’ve been here for three or four weeks and it’s been really positive. We feel like we’re in a good place. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone so far.”

What comes next?

Griffiths said: “Behcet has a reputation on the keeper circuit as a coach who likes to innovate and get the best of those he works with. Griffiths said: “It was a massive pull of coming here, as well as the club – which speaks for itself and the ambition of where we want to get to. “Daz’s track record is obviously great with Mike Cooper and obviously Vik. When he makes it clear that I was the person he wants to work with and sees me progressing, it can do a lot for you as a person and your confidence. I’ve only got really good things to say about him.

League standing

Stoke City currently sit 17th in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games, and a recent form of LLLLD. They are 40 points behind leaders Coventry and have scored 51 goals this season, conceding 56.

Next fixture

Stoke City’s next fixture is against Wolves at Molineux on August 29th.

Relationship with Viktor Johansson

Griffiths said: “I knew about the goalkeeper department before I signed. Daz has been really good as expected and I met Vik last week and he’s been brilliant. We’ve got a great relationship already. It should be really positive for both of us. We’ve also got Frankie (Fielding), True (Grant) and Caleb (Clothier), who came out with us last week, and Tommy (Simkin), who has gone out on loan.

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