Frank Griffin (English footballer) explained

Frank Griffin
Fullname:Frank Albert Griffin
Birth Date:28 March 1928
Birth Place:Pendlebury, Lancashire, England
Position:Winger
Youthclubs1:Eccles Town
Years1:1950–1951
Years2:1951–1959
Years3:1959–1960
Years4:1960–?
Clubs4:Wellington Town
Caps1:37
Caps2:240
Caps3:16
Goals1:5
Goals2:47
Goals3:0

Frank Albert Griffin (28 March 1928 – 4 June 2007) was an English professional footballer. He played as a winger and his most notable achievement was scoring the winning goal in the 1954 FA Cup Final.

Football career

Born in Pendlebury, near Manchester, Griffin began his career at Shrewsbury Town. He clocked up 5 goals in 37 appearances for the Shropshire club, including the winner against Wrexham in the first Football League match at the Gay Meadow, in 1950.[1]

In April 1951, just a month after turning professional, he left for West Bromwich Albion, making his Albion debut against Sunderland at Roker Park.[2] In the 1953–54 season, West Bromwich dominated the league, but faltered in the closing weeks and eventually finished second, which was their best finish since 1924. In the FA Cup Final which followed, they faced Preston North End and fought back from 2–1 down to equalise, before Griffin scored the winning goal in the 87th minute when he hit a low right footed shot past the goalkeeper from the right of the six yard box.

In an FA Cup match in February 1958, Griffin broke his leg in two places, which effectively ended his career. He was to make just 6 more appearances for Albion after his recovery. After leaving Albion he slipped down the divisions in successive seasons, playing first for Northampton Town then Wellington Town.

References

Notes and References

  1. News: Tributes to former Town player. Shrewsbury Chronicle. 3. 2007-06-07.
  2. Book: Matthews, Tony . The Who's Who of West Bromwich Albion . Breedon Books . 2005 . 101 . 1-85983-474-4.