Micky's Pembrokeshire
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Kristian is a real plus for the Bluebirds
Kristian Griffiths is one of the new breed of young footballers at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium who is charged with the responsibility of taking Haverfordwest County back to former glories.
And if high skill levels, a common sense approach and real commitment to the club’s cause are guidelines then the Bluebirds are on the way because Kristian has all those attributes – and lots more besides!
Rugby family and an early footballing start
Ironically, Kristian is a footballer who hails from one of the best-known rugby families in Haverfordwest, since his dad Steve was one of six brothers who played for the Blues, alongside uncles Gareth, Nigel, Michael, Alan and Robert. Kristian also played rugby on the wing for STP School and at the same time as current Narberth captain Steve Martin, but football was always his first love after setting out as a nipper with a Merlins Bridge under 9 team coached by Willie Williams and Raymond Harries. He had every encouragement from his grandfather William Jones, who was a great influence on his early football, as was his mum Liz, who was a good hockey player in her younger days.
Then Kristian joined Camrose and from under 14 to under 16 levels he played for Camrose under Andy Rees of ‘One Stop’ and enjoyed himself immensely. After helping their second team gain promotion from Reserve Division Two he played in the first team organised by Sammy Lee and which included talented players like Ade Haworth and Gareth ‘Taffy’ Williams.
Experience at Clarbie and a Bluebirds’ start
From there he moved to Clarbeston Road with his pal Adam Hawkins and with Huw Bevan at the helm gained promotion and held its own in the first division. It was at this time that he decided to join Haverfordwest County, after a chat with Derek Roberts, and Kristian has been with the Bluebirds for over two seasons now.
He set out in the reserve team which did well in the top echelon of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire league and eventually found himself selected for the first team squad which was due to make the long journey to Rhyl in the Welsh Premier league. They went as underdogs but came away with a 2-1 win – and Kristian played in the back four for the final quarter.
Huge step up in class
Ask Kristian about making the step up to this new level and he is quick to answer:
“There is a huge difference in the pace of the game and the skill levels needed,” he said, “and fitness is vital. We train twice a week and it is needed because some of the top sides are really sharp – with front runners who can turn you inside out if you are not at your best. There is also a real expectation from supporters, who are brilliant at Haverfordwest but are desperate for success.”
He is also aware that there is a need to move up the Welsh league table after the disappointment of relegation last season.
“We were all shattered to go down after a bright start in pre-season matches – things haven’t gone well. But we must knuckle down and show what we can do. It’s a battle we have to win!”
Battling away, getting lost
– and a speeding ticket!
Kristian already knows about battling hard because when the Bluebirds travelled to Neath last season in a cup match the early dismissal of skipper Gareth Elliott forced him and Terry Evans to play at the heart of the defence against top players like Lee Trundle and Christian O’Leary.
“It was like the Alamo after we had taken the lead as they came at us in waves – but we held out for a 2-2 draw.”
What Kristian omitted to say was that he was outstanding in the air and solid on the ground – and was easily the Bluebirds’ man of the match!
Other cup matches, however, have been memorable for different reasons, like the recent one where the Bluebirds travelled to Cardiff to play UWIC. Kristian drove Chris O’Sullivan and Jay Brockway to the capital city but he took a wrong turning somewhere and found himself in the city centre rather than at the UWIC campus ground in Cyncoed. They eventually managed to find their way to Cyncoed in time for the match but poor old Kristian later received a speeding ticket for doing 35mph in a 30mph speed limit area!
Mutual appreciation
Kristian also played junior football for Pembrokeshire at every age group alongside players of the calibre of Richard Hughes, Dan Scourfield, Adam Raymond and Lewis Hurlow.
“We had Derek Roberts and Ronnie Beynon in charge, with Deryn Brace also involved for one season, and I learned a great deal from all three”, says Kristian. “Mickie Ellis and Wayne Jones are a great help now,” he added, “and all the players are hoping the Leighton James’ experience will see us climb the league table if we continue to work hard.”
It seems the admiration is mutual because Derek Roberts told us,
“I think Kristian Griffiths was one of the best signings I have ever made and at 24 years of age he should serve Haverfordwest County well for a long time.”
Mickie Ellis commented,
“Kristian is a pleasure to have in the squad because he is always ready to learn and is prepared to work hard in training and on the field. As well as his high skill levels he is totally committed and ready to serve the club well. He is a credit to his family, his club and football in general.”
We at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk could pay this modest and unassuming young man no higher tribute and can only add that we wish Kristian Griffiths every success in his future with Haverfordwest County!
PHOTOS:
Kristian Griffiths.
Kristian on the volley.
Kristian solid in the tackle.
Kristian solid on the ball.
Pictures by Kevin Bryce.
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