Griffiths stands down (From Barry And District News)

Griffiths stands down

BARRY FC's Ashley Griffiths is stepping down as player-manager and retiring from football.

Speaking this week, he said: "I have been involved in football for more than 35 years, and felt I needed a complete break from the game to look at other ventures.

"I will look forward to seeing Barry FC playing in the Welsh Premier in the coming years, and will add my support."

Griffiths thanked everyone, from the committee to the players and the fans, for their support, and is proud of Barry FC's achievements over the last eight months.

He said: "The season has been a success as Barry FC has now established itself within the structure of Welsh football. I'd also like to wish Jeff Shaw and Haydn Stait and the players good luck as they have been excellent."

For most people, Ashley Griffiths is synonymous with some of Barry Town's great successes during the 1980s and early 1990s.

"I started my career at the age of 13, when I was a junior in the Bristol Rovers school of excellence," he said. "I signed as an apprentice in 1975, and then professional forms in 1977."

His fondest memory of his Bristol Rovers days was playing against the likes of West Ham United, with Trevor Brooking, and Billy Bonds in their side.

"That was a week before they beat Arsenal in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, when Trevor Brooking scored the winning goal," he said.

Griffiths played for several more west country teams, joining Barry Town in February 1983.

His debut came on February 12, when Barry Town beat Caerleon 4-0 in the Brains Cup semi-final, and his first goal was on March 5, 1983 when he contributed to the 7-3 drubbing of Milford United.

Griffiths said: "There were great players at Barry Town during this period, and names like Steve Williams, Bobby Smith, Ian Love, and Phil Green come into that category. I feel the very best player I played with at Barry Town was Alan Sullivan, who was also just a fantastic person.

"The whole period when Les Dickerson was manager, such as when we played Reading, was just great. Great times, great years, great players."

Throughout the 1980s, there would be cups and there would be league titles, but for Griffiths, the pinnacle of those successes was the FA Cup 1st Round tie against Reading at Jenner Park.

Almost 4,000 fans packed into Jenner Park. Reading won 2-1.

"It was a great match, a brilliant crowd, and a fantastic performance," Griffiths said.

Griffiths was an important part of the famous 1994 Welsh Cup win which gave Barry Town their first trip into European football.

"Barry Town being in Europe shaped the future of the club, and it progressed from this time. It was a great experience, and the trip to Lithuania to play Vilnius in the Cup Winners' Cup was something I will never forget."

With the Barry Town Supporters' Club opting to disband and re-emerge as a football club in its own right last year, Griffiths was the first choice to manage Barry FC in the Vale of Glamorgan Premier League. And it was no surprise when he scored the new club's inaugural goal.

"I have enjoyed my time at Barry Town and Barry FC," he said. "The supporters have been brilliant, from the late Gareth Card, to Tim Johnson of the present day.

"I would like to thank them all for the support they have given me personally, and hope they will continue to support the club as I will."