Brian McDermott believes new signing Andy Griffin is already on the way  to being as popular a right-back as Reading legend Graeme Murty.

Griffin joined Reading yesterday on a two-year deal after Royals agreed a nominal fee with Stoke City. And after enjoying a highly successful loan spell at Madejski Stadium, he is already a firm fans’ favourite.

Supporters even started singing ‘Griffin for England’ at games last season, such was the impact he made on the side.

McDermott said: “I’m very pleased. It has been a long process and all summer we have been trying to get him.

“I am sure the supporters will be pleased. He came in and did really well last season and we are delighted to sign him.

“If you consider we had Graeme Murty playing here for 10 years and he was a fans’ favourite, Griff has the same reaction and he has only been here four or five months.”

Griffin made a big impression when he joined Reading on a temporary basis in January.

Royals were languishing in 20th place, with just five wins from 24 league games, but after the 31-year-old’s arrival, McDermott’s side were one of the form teams in the Championship and even had a late play-off push, before finishing ninth.

Griffin went on to make 24 appearances in all competitions and his presence at the back allowed Jimmy Kebe to focus more on his attacking duties.

That allowed the Mali winger the freedom to produce his best form since arriving at Madejski Stadium in January 2008.

McDermott added: “Andy is an excellent man. He gets about his business in his own quiet way, but the young players here gravitate towards him.

“He knows how to get out of this league. He was captain of Stoke when they got promoted and he gives us that experience.

“All the players were pleased when they saw him turn up at training.

“He has great respect around the place.”

Griffin admitted he was reluctant to move away from the Potteries as his family were settled in the area, but the way Reading supporters got behind him during his loan spell was a major factor in the switch.

He said: “I’m very pleased to sign permanently because I know the club, I know the manager and I know we’ve got a great bunch of players, as footballers and people. I had a good relationship with the fans and everyone at the club so I feel at home here and I’m looking forward to the season.

“The fans seemed to take to me so hopefully I must have done something right. They play a huge part. A football club is nothing without its supporters and that played a part in my decision, no question.”

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