Walsall agree to release goalkeeper David Grof
Walsall today confirmed goalkeeper David Grof has left the club by mutual consent and is poised for a move to France.
The goalkeeper is set for a trial with a Ligue 2 side after the Saddlers agreed to release him from his contract three months early.
He was axed by boss Dean Smith this term and had been replaced by a string of loanees this season after early errors cost him his place and the Saddlers points.
“David began the season as No.1,” said Smith. “A loss of form and confidence saw him lose his place in the team.
"Hopefully, a fresh start in a different country will give him an opportunity to address his issues both on and off the field.”
Grof hasn’t played since the disastrous 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Lincoln in November and he was left out of the last two squads, including Saturday’s 2-2 comeback draw with Crawley.
He tweeted last night: “Landed in Paris. Absolutely buzzing. Been a long day travelling. Buzzing to be here! Cant wait for training tomorrow.”
Karl Darlow, Aaron McCarey and Ian McLoughlin were all drafted in on loan ahead of Grof as the Saddlers struggled to find a regular No 1 this season.
Wolves’ McCarey returned for a second spell last month after Walsall failed to extend the loan of McLoughlin from Milton Keynes Dons – keeping Grof benched.
The Hungarian joins record appearances holder Jimmy Walker in being released this season.
The 23-year-old signed on a free transfer from Mansfield in 2011 as understudy to Walker and made 39 appearances for the Saddlers.
Meanwhile, Premier League duo Southampton and Norwich reportedly ran the rule over 19-goal top scorer Will Grigg on Saturday.
The striker netted a 90th minute leveller as the Saddlers came from 2-0 down to salvage a point after Jamie Paterson also scored in the 89th minute.
Comments for: "Walsall agree to release goalkeeper David Grof"
Graham
It's a sad end to David,s time with us but it is hardly a surprise when you look back on his performances prior to the Lincoln game. That night against Lincoln he was a liability although it was for me the worst performance as a team we had produced since the loss to dagenham also at home and in the cup. The message was clear that his future was in doubt when keeper after keeper has been bought in on loan. I have no idea if there are other factors that we the fans are not aware of but I wish him well and hope he can rebuild not only his confidence but his career elsewhere, good luck David.
NICK
"Hopefully, a fresh start in a different country will give him an opportunity to address his issues both on and off the field.”
I think there maybe more to this than us fan's know about reading between the line's !
Robbie Saddler
There's a lot more to this than meets the eye. I know there's a lot of Saddlers fans that are sorry to see him go because although there were errors, he also showed that he has the potential to be a decent keeper. In fairness to Dean Smith I think he has probably done everything he can to sort the lad out. As Dean Smith hinted very strongly above "A fresh start in a different country will give him an opportunity to address his issues both on and off the field.” - 'off the field' being the most important words in that sentence! If you follow Groffy on Twitter you'll probably know what I mean - put it this way, he appears to enjoy the high life. It's also common knowledge that he had a few issues whilst at Hibernian and had a received 2 year drink-drive ban back then. In my opinion, and that's all it can be of course, there was probably an attitude problem too. As supporters it's sometimes hard for us to understand because on the surface he seems to have been harshly treated, but I don't think Dean Smith is that kind of manager. I think he would have been given every opportunity to 'sort himself out' and simply hasn't. Let's face it why would we leave ourselves with only a youth team keeper at the club and rely on loanees. There had to be a big problem.
Walsallwonder
I have heard similiar rumours about his "off the field" activities which is a great shame because he looked a promising goalie. Like you I hope he gets things together and makes a success of his career. It's in his own hands now.
in his own hands now...... unlike the ball most times when a cross came in!
Belgian Saddler
Good luck to Grof, but glad we won't have to listen to him moaning anymore
trevor williams
well mr smith is now left with a loan keeper who could be recaled by his club. what a shame jimmy walker has left.now we are in a mess what about a recall
Peter
It's just as I said yesterday on Facebook, we have a loan keeper.. who now looks like his is about to get recalled and a youth team...
Jimmy at peterborough as a GK coach.. I don't think you will be seeing him back between the stick anytime soon.
Bob
....and McArey looks highly likely to be recalled by Wolves seeing as Ikeme is now out for the season.