GEOFF GRIFFITHS believes Plymouth Albion's chances of success in the Championship next season rely heavily on whether the club's new signings can buy into the existing team spirit.

Albion endured a difficult 2008-09 campaign, avoiding relegation from National Division One by just one place and five points.

However, Griffiths believes the Brickfields outfit can prove competitive next term providing the players brought into the club over the summer can buy into the existing team ethos.

"We had a close-knit squad last season – one which had a really good team spirit," said Griffiths.

"Some of my best friends have left the club over the summer and moved onto pastures new.

"But judging from pre-season training, it is going to be a very good year.

"The squad seems to be a good bunch of guys and if the new players can buy into the existing team spirit, then we should be fine.

"It is going to be a tough season, because I think it really will prove to be a league where any team can beat the other on any given day.

"There will be some shocks, but for Plymouth, we have just got to take it a game at a time and see how we go."

Griffiths, who made 16 appearances for Albion last term despite breaking his foot in the first week in February, added: "The first challenge for us as a team is to get used to playing with each other.

"But we have kept a core of players from last season and that should help us.

"It wasn't a great season for us, but the character of the boys shone through in the latter stages.

"We got through it together and we now need to get that team ethos into the new players."

Versatile Griffiths, who can play wing, centre or full-back, will be a key player for Albion next season.

The 23-year-old admits he does not know where he will be playing during 2009-10.

The former Rotherham player insists he is happy to play anywhere, as long as it benefits the team.

"I still haven't broached the subject of where I may be playing next season," said Griffiths.

"I am happy playing anywhere in the backs from number 10 upwards.

"The most important thing is that the team get the right balance, so wherever I am selected to play, I will gladly play there.

"There are a lot of players in the squad who can play in a number of positions, so we do need to find the right combinations.

"But I am sure we will do that and gel pretty quickly as a team."

Griffiths, who turned down offers from other clubs to remain with Albion for next term, added: "I have been in the league for five years or so, so I do have a lot more experience than some of the other guys.

"But, while I hope to help some of the younger players, I am still learning myself.

"I learn from players more experienced than me and I could also learn something from some of the younger players.

"The main thing is that, as a team, we all work hard for each other in a bid to help the team do well next season."

One of the players to join Albion over the summer is former Esher back-row forward James Waterhouse.

While Waterhouse may have to spend time getting used to some of his team-mates, he won't have to worry when it comes to Griffiths.

The duo first met when they were on holiday in Australia as teenagers.

Then, somewhat bizarrely, they met again during Fresher's week at Sheffield University and the duo have been close friends ever since.

Finally, last week, Waterhouse's arrival in the city completed the hat-trick of meetings and, according to Griffiths, saw Albion welcome a huge asset.

"It is odd how things work out sometimes," said Griffiths who is sharing digs with Waterhouse.

"James is one of my best mates from a while back and for him to come to Plymouth is great.

"James is a good player who will add some power to our pack, which can only be a good thing.

"He broke his leg last year, but he is over that now and no doubt wanting to show everybody what he is capable of.

"I am sure he will prove to be a very good signing for the club."