Fan-factor could help land Griffin, says Supermac

Anthony Smith • Published 12 Jun 2010 11:00 0 Comments

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ROYALS boss Brian McDermott believes the club's passionate fans could be a major factor in their attempt to sign Andy Griffin on a permanent transfer.

The 31-year-old right-back became a massive hit with supporters during a loan spell last season.

They believe Griffin's arrival from Stoke City in January was the catalyst for the team's dramatic improvement over the closing months when Reading banished their relegation fears and put themselves in play-off contention.

The ex-Newcastle and Derby County defender became such a Madejski Stadium favourite that a chorus of 'Griffin for England' could regularly be heard at home games.

McDermott has since made no secret of his burning desire to land Griffin permanently and the Chronicle understand the club have offered him an attractive package as bait.

However, Griffin's family are based near Stoke City and are reluctant to follow him down south, while the Potters will demand a substantial transfer fee for the players who has two years left on his contract.

McDermott revealed: "We're still trying to move things forward and we're doing the best we can.

"We have to deal with Stoke City and Andy himself but there are a lot of issues to sort out.

"Andy lives up north but he knows how important he is to us and that we really want him to come here.

"He knows the situation and he also knows how important he is to our fans. They love him and I made sure was told that as well."

Royals are currently locked in negotiations with Stoke over a transfer fee. But even if they agree, Griffin may be against a permanent transfer having insisted last week that his family always come first.

However, he also made it clear he would not ignore the tremendous support Reading fans gave him after 12 months out in the wilderness at Stoke City.

"He knows we want him to come here and the supporters definitely helped convey that message across last season because they have such strong feelings for Andy," argued McDermott.

"There are a lot of 'ifs' and 'buts' involved but I'm hoping that everything goes in our favour and that Andy is a Reading player next season."

Griffin's influence extending into the Reading dressing room where was well respected by his team-mates and always had time for the young players in the first-team squad.

McDermott added: "When I took him he wasn't playing for Stoke City and hadn't done so for 12 months. But I always knew he was a good players who could do very well for us.

"He came in and got straight up to speed and he's been a big influence on the youngsters. You can tell by the way he plays and conducts himself that he a top professional but I have loved having him around and I'd love to have him back."

The Chronicle understands McDermott is also identifying alternative targets should the Griffin deal fall through.

Royals do have cover in the position in Julian Kelly and Shaun Cummings.

But Kelly is relatively inexperienced at this level and Cummings has had a torrid first season having joined from Chelsea last August in a £300,000 deal.

There are rumours League One Brighton and Hove Albion are interested in signing Cummings, 21, though a loan deal is more likely as he has another two years to run on his contract.

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