Fans’ favourite Griff retires

Jamie Griffiths has announced his retirement from football.

The club would like to put on record our thanks to Jamie for his outstanding contribution over the last eight years.

Across two separate spells, Jamie played 158 matches for the club and scored 82 goals.

He was an integral part of the team that won the First Division title in 2015 to gain promotion to Step 5 for the first time in the club’s history.

Many of Griff’s 82 goals came from outside the box and often in spectacular fashion.

Having played professionally for Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle, it was a major coup for the club when Jules Mumford signed Jamie in 2014 to play Step 6 football.

Many people expected this to be a short-term move. However, with the team doing well and Jamie enjoying his football, he turned down several offers to play at a higher level. He ended up staying another two seasons before joining Needham Market at Step 3.

In 2019, Jamie returned to Melford initially on loan before making a permanent move back to the club.

In addition to the First Division winners medal in 2015, Jamie won numerous individual awards during his time at Melford including Supporters’ Player (twice) amongst many others.

Unfortunately, Jamie has been very unlucky with injuries over the years (a double stress fracture in his back while at Ipswich and a serious ACL knee injury while playing for Melford in 2016).

These injuries have taken their toll on Jamie who has often played in pain in recent years, as he explained in a statement on Twitter:

Unfortunately it’s time to hang the boots up at the age of 30! The pain I play in doesn’t make football enjoyable anymore, just trying to sleep at night is hard enough. That and half a knee means for a lot of years I’ve been a shadow of the player I can be. Thanks to all the managers, players and back room staff I have played and worked with over the years, it has been a pleasure! It’s now time to go and enjoy time with the family!

Here are a few words from some of the people involved during Griff’s time at the club.

All of us at LMFC, wish Jamie Griffiths the very best in his retirement from the magical game. During his time with us at LMFC he has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Long Melford have maintained a place at Step 5 level. Like the ex pro that he is, Jamie has led by example, both on and off the field, and his name will go down as a legend in the history of this fine old Football  Club. Richard Kemp

Griff was a great signing for the club. He brought high standards to the club on and off the pitch and was superb for us. A real team player as well as the outstanding individual qualities. He was a pleasure to manage and a joy to watch. Jules Mumford

Griff has not only been a top player for the club, but also someone who led by example. He ensured standards were always kept high, not only those of the players but everyone at the club. Although he was injured for my first season at the Stoneylands, his presence in the dressing room was massive and helped me feel at home. Something I will always be thankful for. Local football will be poorer without him, and Long Melford will always remember and be grateful for his contribution during a golden period for the club. Jamie Bradbury

Thank you Griff for everything you’ve done for the club over the years. David Hennessey

I know Griff is my mate but one thing you can say about him is that he always remained extremely professional and dedicated, regardless of whether people thought he was above the level he was playing or not.. The club changed for the better after he joined and he helped to develop the winning mentality and group morale that helped the club achieve what they have achieved over the past few years since he joined. Daniel Swain

Griff is one of the best players the club’s ever had, on and off the pitch. He’ll always be a fans’ favourite. Kevin Cook

It was always a pleasure to see Griff on the Melford grass. Top player! Ivan Whitehart

My GOAT – a privilege to have played with you Griffy. Sam Bayliss

It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch you play over the years. All the best to you and the family. Adam Mumford

One of the best strikers this level has ever seen, it was a pleasure to play in the same team as you Griff. Darren Moyes

It’s been a pleasure to play along side you Griff the last few years and one of my reasons for playing and staying with Melford was knowing you were too. Having an opportunity to play with someone that has your ability was a big thing for me and I’ve loved the link up play we’ve had over the last few seasons. All the best for the future. Jacob Brown