Midfielder talks about his time at Orient
One man who will be familiar with Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium is their former player Anthony Griffith.
The all-action Vale man will be heading back to the side he departed Vale for in 2012.
Griffith re-joined the Valiants on loan this spring from Orient and then subsequently on a permanent contract this summer.
The defensive midfielder says his time at Saturday’s hosts was a learning experience on and off the pitch.
Griffith explained: “I don’t have any negative memories; I did play a few games there.
“I was playing games at a high level, it was all new to me and they had a lot of good players that came in.
“I had to play I guess, I took a lot in from being in that league as well and watching games as well as playing games.”
Griffith believes playing with players who have graced the Premier League in particular helped him develop as a player during his time with Leyton Orient.
“There were some good memories. We played teams like Everton, some good teams.
“It is a good part of the world to live in and it was a good experience.
“You’ve got to learn, that is part of life, if you go down there and learn nothing then it is a waste of time but I did learn something.
“I learnt a different side of football, off the pitch as well and playing with players who have played in the Premiership and Championship for years was very good,” he explained.
After a productive but limited time at Leyton Orient Griffith returned to Burslem and the dynamic midfielder believes playing regular first-team football at this stage of his career was big factor.
“I am a person who wants to go out there and play football on the pitch on a Saturday afternoon not on a cold Tuesday afternoon away in a reserve game.
“I want to play football and work as hard as I can on the training ground as well as on the pitch because that’s what happens when you work on the training ground – you can implement it on the pitch on a Saturday or Tuesday.”
Orient’s early season form has been a surprise to many, five wins from five, 13 goals scored and only two conceded.
Griffith though is less astonished by Orient’s success having worked with Russell Slade and the players.
“I always thought they were a good side, the manager sets up as good as Micky Adams sets his team up.
“He’s got the outlet of his front four, I think they’re phenomenal players and they’ve got a lot of strength at the back.
“They don’t let a lot of goals in.”