The Master and his Apprentice: Rhys Griffiths on how he can help Sam Snaith to blossom for years to come
BRIDGEND, WALES - 03 OCTOBER 2020: Samuel Snaith of Penybont scores to make it 2-1 and celebrates with team mates during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Pen-y-bont F.C & Newtown A.F.C at the SDM Glass Stadium, Bridgend, Wales. Pics by John Smith / FAW
When a player signs for a new club, it’s often done with renewed vigour to prove their worth.
But in the case of new Penybont striker Sam Snaith, it’s done knowing the ‘master of centre forward play’ is watching on from the dugout.
Rhys Griffiths was a profound name in Welsh football circles for over a decade, winner of the leagues golden boot on six occasions whilst also signing professional contracts at Plymouth Argyle and Newport County. In 181 appearances for Llanelli he found the back of the net 180 times, prolific marksmanship by anyone standards.
His career jetisoned skywards after signing for Haverfordwest County in 2002 after a season at Cwmbran Town and after a brief interlude at Carmarthen Town he led the line at Port Talbot Town for a season and half in 2004, netting 35 times in 53 appearances before Llanelli came calling.
He added another 26 goals when he returned to the Steel Town after his year-long interlude in professional football in 2013 before a season at Aberystwyth Town in 2016 led to him taking the management reins at Penybont in 2016.
“I’ve learnt that as a manager you have to be patient, allowing time for the player to mature and blossom,” he said.
Griffiths was delighted that recent incumbent Sam Snaith had opened his account for the Bridgend based side, with the winning goal last Saturday in a 2-1 win over Newtown.
“He’s had a difficult start since arriving back in the UK for Coastal Carolina University, a disjointed pre-season and he’s not played since last year.
Sam has taken a while to bed in and I appreciate the transition hasn’t been easy; I know the role of a centre forward inside out” he said with a chuckle.
“It’s about showing Sam some of those things which a video can’t do and he’s a player who is willing to try. I’m hopeful I can help him put into practice what I’m talking about which will make a difference to his game. He’s certainly one which can blossom in the years to come and I hope that’s with us at Penybont.
Snaith, at 6’4 is an imposing striker and represented Barry Town United in Europe before he headed stateside after a trial with Newport County didn’t result in a professional contract for the former Bridgend College student.
He’s returned from America having scored eight times for the Chanticleers in their regular season and picking up the accolade as Sun-Belt Freshman of the Year as he made the Championship All-Tournament team, his University side captured the title.
Snaith is in the squad for the game at Haverfordwest County tomorrow night, the praise of his manager, who was also capped six times for Wales semi professional side one which the apprentice can draw heart from by having such a mentor.
(Featured Image: John Smith/ Football Association of Wales)
