Orient's new signing Anthony Griffith

Griffith is relishing the step up

Orient’s new signing Anthony Griffith admits the chance of playing League One football was one of the major factors in his decision to join Russell Slade’s side.

The Port Vale midfielder became Orient’s second signing of the summer when he penned a two-year deal at Brisbane Road, after the 25-year-old turned down the offer of a new contract from Port Vale.

Although several clubs were chasing him, Griffith decided to head to London and the Montserrat international will be an ideal replacement for former O’s skipper Stephen Dawson and plays in a similar way.

Griffith, who has spent the last four years at Vale Park, is relishing the step up to League One football, as well as linking up with O’s boss Slade.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me,” he said.

“I have got the chance to play in League One now and the opportunity to play under Russell Slade as well.

“People have raved about him and I’ve had good advice from my old manager Micky Adams, who has told me he’s a good manager and a good person. I think it’s always good to play for a decent manager. I have had that along the way, which has helped me and I’m sure it will help me further.”

Griffiths was a virtual ever-present at Vale Park and made a total of 181 appearances for the Valiants during his time there and has recently won two caps for Monserrat.

He can also play at right- back and joins recent capture defender Gary Sawyer at Brisbane Road as Slade looks to rebuild his side.

The Orient boss now has replacements for Charlie Daniels and Dawson and Griffith would love to follow in the ex-skipper’s footsteps.

“I’ve watched a few Orient games, especially the Cup games that were on TV last year,” said Griffith.

“There was a player who played in the same position as me, Stephen Dawson, who I rate very highly.

“He came down from Bury, so he made the move south and he came down here and was loved. That’s one way I’d like to go myself.

“His style of play is similar to mine and he was one of the players I really respected – I hope to emulate him really.”

Huddersfield-born Griffith started his career with Doncaster Rovers and had loan spells at Oxford, Darlington, Stafford and Halifax, before moving to Port Vale.

“I’d have loved to make the step up with Port Vale,” he said.

“It’s a good club that has had its difficulties, but slowly they are getting out of that.

“I’m making the move to further myself and my career.

“This reminds me of Port Vale in that it’s a family club.

“It’s welcoming and I’m sure there’s some good exciting times ahead. I’m going to relish it.”