Adelaide United FC’s squad for the AFC Champions League 2010 has been bolstered with the signing of former Newcastle Jets midfielder Adam Griffiths.
Griffiths, who was a member of the Jets’ Hyundai A-League 2007/08 championship winning squad, has joined the Reds on a six month term for United’s matches in the ACL Group Stage and also for the possible Round of 16.
The 30 year old comes to Adelaide after most recently making a handful of appearances Al-Shabab, Griffiths joining the Saudi Arabian club after initially signing with Gold Coast United prior to the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 Season.
Griffiths has had AFC Champions League experience having been part of Newcastle’s Asian journey in 2009, and his addition to the Reds is certain to add depth to the club’s midfield stocks as they prepare to face leading clubs from Korea, China and Japan.
“We’re really pleased with signing Adam. He’s an experienced player, more important he’s had experience with Newcastle in the previous Asian Champions League so that’s an added bonus for us,” United Coach Aurelio Vidmar said.
“He’s got a lot of strength, he’s a good passer of the game, good reader of the game and we can use him in a variety of roles which is really important, so we’re really looking forward to Adam rolling up his sleeves and doing his very best for the club.”
“Adam’s name came across our table about five weeks ago. We also knew at that stage that he was coming back from Saudi Arabia. It’s just for the ACL at this point of time, Adam has got other ambitions but we believe it is not out of the question that something might happen in future, but for now the most important thing is that Adam is with us through the Asian Champions League, that’s going to be a big positive for us and it will also help with the stimulus and mentality amongst the group in a healthy way.”
“Adam is an experienced player having played in the ACL with Newcastle, while he has also made a couple of appearances for the Qantas Socceroos,” United Coach Aurelio Vidmar said.
“His presence will bring us a lot of strength and he is someone who can play in a variety of roles so we’re looking forward to him joining the squad.”
Griffiths arrived in Adelaide last night and with the Reds still having one free spot on their Hyundai A-League list, the club is hopeful registering and clearing him with Football Federation Australia (FFA) to feature in the final two games of the season.
A run in the final two rounds would give Griffiths a chance to familiarise himself with his new team mates while also provide him with valuable time on the pitch ahead of the Reds’ opening AFC Champions League match against the Pohang Steelers at Hindmarsh Stadium on February 24.
“Adelaide is a good team, obviously they haven’t done so well this year but their performances have been pretty strong, they just haven’t been able to get the goals that they’ve needed,” Griffiths said following his first training with his new club.
“I’m just looking forward to playing for Adelaide, doing well and concentrating on playing some football again.”
Adelaide United’s next match is against Brisbane Roar on Saturday 6 February 2010 at Hindmarsh Stadium in the penultimate round of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 Season (Kick-Off 7.30pm ACDT). Tickets are available through Venue*Tix (call 8225 8888, online at www.venuetix.com.au).
Adam GRIFFITHS
DOB 21 August 1979 (Sydney)
Age 30
Position Midfielder
Height 189cm
Weight 86kg
Junior Club Sutherland (NSW)
Club History
2009 Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia)
2009 Gold Coast United (Hyundai A-League)
2007-2009 Newcastle Jets (Hyundai A-League)
2006-2007 Brentford (England)
2005-2006 Bournemouth (England)
2004-2005 Oostende (Belgium)
2002-2003 Newcastle United (NSL)
1999-2001 Northern Spirit (NSL)
Additional Information
Hyundai A-League appearances – 39 (3 goals)
Hyundai A-League Champions, 2007/08 (Newcastle Jets)