HUW GRIFFITHS was “chuffed to bits” after Ramirez Howarth signed for League One Lincoln City.

Flying winger Howarth arrived at The Rock just over 12 months ago and caught the eye under Griffiths for Cefn Druids with his all-action performances and direct running.

A trial with the Imps saw the 22-year-old convince boss Michael Appleton he was worth a one-year deal and Howarth stepped off the bench last weekend to make his debut in the League Cup victory over Crewe.

Griffiths, now manager of Caernarfon, is delighted to see Howarth follow in the footsteps of Alec Mudimu - now plying his trade with Sheriff Tiraspol - by transitioning from the Cymru Premier to full-time football.

“He’s a model pro, who is clean living with a hunger and desire to improve,” said Griffiths. “I’m chuffed to bits for him because he’s determined to get better and he’s a lovely, humble lad as well.”

Howarth moved to The Rock after leaving Ashton United, who he joined after being released by Blackburn Rovers.

Griffiths knew Howarth, who struck a hat-trick against Carmarthen, had the tools to make a mark on the game, but there was still plenty of things to work on.

“He hadn’t had a great time of things before he came to Druids,” continued Griffiths. “But he was able to play on 3G, which suited him because he’s fast-twitch.

“He still needed to learn a few things, but he probably learned more things with Druids than at Blackburn because we were able to spend more time with him working on positional stuff and other bits.

“We knew he was a good player though when we did the endurance running in pre-season and he scored some good goals. He has plenty of energy, he’s good with both feet and he’s got pace.

“He enjoyed playing in-front of the television cameras and with his name on the back of his shirt.

“It’s great to see Remy follow in the footsteps of Alec by moving into professional football.”

And Griffiths believes there could be more stories like Howarth and Mudimu’s in the future with the standard of Cymru Premier football improving all the time.

“If I was a scout I’d be heading to the Cymru Premier,” said Griffiths. “The league is a hotbed for talent.”

Current Druids assistant coach Jayson Starkey, who was Griffiths’ number two, echoed the thoughts of his former boss.

“It’s great to see Remy make the move,” said Starkey. “That’s two players to head from Druids to professional clubs in the last 12 months and shows that we are doing something right.

“Ultimately, we want to help players develop and the moves by Remy and Alec show that we’re doing everything we can. Remy goes with our blessing and we wish him all the best.”