Andy Griffin

Andy Griffin
Personal information
Full name Andrew Griffin
Date of birth (1979-03-17) 17 March 1979
Place of birth Higher End, Wigan, England[1]
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position Right back
Youth career
1994–1996 Stoke City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–1998 Stoke City 57 (2)
1998–2004 Newcastle United 76 (2)
2004–2007 Portsmouth 43 (0)
2006–2007 → Stoke City (loan) 33 (2)
2007–2008 Derby County 15 (0)
2008–2010 Stoke City 35 (0)
2010 → Reading (loan) 21 (0)
2010–2012 Reading 42 (0)
2012–2013 Doncaster Rovers 16 (0)
2014 Chester 4 (0)
Total 342 (6)
National team
1997–1998 England U18 6 (0)
1999–2001 England U21 3 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21:16, 21 April 2014 (UTC).

Andrew "Andy" Griffin (born 17 March 1979) is an English former footballer.

Griffin began his career at Stoke City,[2] where he established a reputation as a solid wing-back defender. His impressive performances for the "Potters" led to him being signed by Newcastle United for a fee of £1.5million in January 1998. He spent six years on Tyneside before moving south to Portsmouth in 2004. He was unable to establish himself as first choice right back at "Pompey" and re-joined his old club Stoke on loan for the 2006–07 season.

Stoke narrowly missed out on a play-off position and so Griffin decided to sign for newly promoted Derby County, however with Derby struggling to compete in the Premier League he joined Stoke for a third time in January 2008. He helped Stoke to claim promotion and was made captain of the side for the 2008–09 season. Griffin lost his place in the side after an on the pitch altercation with Ricardo Fuller at West Ham United in December 2008. He joined Reading in 2010 helping them gain promotion at the second attempt after failing in the play-offs. He was released by Reading in May 2012 and joined Doncaster Rovers in October 2012. He spent two years at Doncaster before ending his career with a short spell at Chester

Club career

Stoke City

Griffin was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester and began his career with Stoke City.[3] He impressed in the clubs youth ranks and he was handed a professional contract in July 1996.[3] He instantly became a regular in the side during the 1996–97 season playing in 36 matches including the final match at the Victoria Ground and in just his first season as a professional he won the clubs player of the year award.[3] In 1997 Stoke moved to the Britannia Stadium but the team struggled all season and with relegation looming Stoke decided to cash in on their most promising prospect selling Griffin to Newcastle United for £1.5million in January 1998.[3]

Newcastle United

Griffin settled quickly in Newcastle and earned call-ups to the England U21 team and also played in the 1999 FA Cup Final.[4] However, he picked up an injury in August 1999 ruling him out for the 1999–2000 season but made a comeback the following season but he again suffered a hernia injury missing another season.[5] Griffin enjoyed something of a resurgence under Bobby Robson and made several solid performances during the 2002–03 season, including in the UEFA Champions League, when his winning goal against Juventus rekindled his side's campaign.[6][7] Injuries and a failure to get a regular place in the side saw him not offered a new contract by Newcastle at the end of the 2003–04 season.[8]

Portsmouth

Griffin joined Portsmouth in May 2004 on a free transfer.[9] After agreeing to join the Fratton Park club Griffin revealed that he took the advice of former Newcastle team mate Lomana LuaLua.[10] His Pompey career got off to a bad start as he conceded an own goal on his debut in a 2–0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.[11] He played 27 games in 2004–05 and 21 games in 2005–06.

Stoke City loan

By the summer of 2006 he dropped out of Harry Redknapp's plans and in September of that year he was loaned to former club Stoke City.[12] He became first choice right back under Tony Pulis as was a number of loan signings for Stoke in the 2006–07 season which helped turn around the club's fortunes. He scored two goals for Stoke, firstly against Leeds United in a 4–0 victory, and then a "sensational 30-yard strike" against Coventry City.[13][14] After the match Pulis spoke of his delight at Grffin's goal and performance. "It was an absolutely fantastic goal. It was top drawer. He came through the ranks at Stoke as a kid and that will mean a lot to him. It will have been lovely for him to score because he's got family here. We're delighted that Portsmouth have allowed us to have him on loan."[15] He played 34 matches for Stoke in 2006–07 as Stoke narrowly missed out on a play-off place and Pulis confirmed that he would like to sign Griffin permanently.[16][17]

Derby County

Griffin in action for Derby County.

On 31 July 2007 Griffin signed for Premier League side Derby County on a three-year deal.[18] He was initially Derby's first choice right back, but when Tyrone Mears returned from injury and Paul Jewell replaced Billy Davies as Derby manager, he found his chances in the first team restricted.[19] With Derby enduring a terrible 2007–08 season heading for an embarrassing relegation, Griffin was given permission to talk to Stoke City.[20]

Return to Stoke City

On 11 January 2008 Griffin moved back to Stoke City for a fee of £300,000, signing a 4 and a half-year contract.[21] In January 2008, Stoke sold captain John Eustace to Watford.[22] This move saw Griffin named Stoke's new captain despite only being back at the club for three weeks,[23] nonetheless Griffin was delighted describing it as a "proud moment in my career."[23] He was controversially sent-off against Queens Park Rangers on 2 March 2008 as Stoke fell to a 3–0 defeat.[24] Stoke were successful in their appeal.[25] In a match against Watford former team-mate John Eustace was sent-off and Griffin branded the Referee's decision as "Pathetic".[26] Griffin missed the final two matches of Stoke's promotion winning 2007–08 campaign due to a torn hamstring.[27] After the season ended Griffin admitted he made the wrong decision to join Derby rather than Stoke in the summer of 2007.[28]

Griffin began the 2008–09 season as first choice right back this was until he was involved in an on pitch altercation with striker Ricardo Fuller away at West Ham United on 28 December 2008 which saw Fuller sent-off.[29] Afterwards the pair publicly apologised for the incident.[30][31][32][33] However Griffin lost his place in the side and Abdoulaye Faye took over as captain for the remainder of the season.[34] He found himself out of the first team in 2009–10 but he did manage to score a dramatic 96th-minute winner in a 4–3 victory over Blackpool in the League Cup.[35]

Reading

On 11 January 2010, he joined Reading on loan for the remainder of the season.[36][37] He was instrumental in solidifying Reading's back line in the second half of the 2009–10 season which saw Reading rise from the relegation zone at the beginning of January to 9th place by the end of the season. Griffin signed on a permanent 2-year deal on 1 July 2010 for an undisclosed fee.[38] On 2 May 2012, after Reading had won promotion to the Premier League and with Griffin having made only 9 league appearances in the 2011–12 season, the club announced it would not be renewing Griffin's contract.[39]

Doncaster Rovers

On 22 October 2012 Griffin joined Doncaster Rovers on a non-contract basis.[40] He played in 18 matches for Doncaster in 2012–13 as the side won promotion to the Championship. He was informed by manager Paul Dickov that he wouldn't be getting a new contract with the club but allowed him to play with the reserves until he finds a new club.[41]

Chester

Griffin joined Conference Premier side Chester on 27 March 2014.[42] He made just four appearances for Chester before he decided to retire from playing.[43]

Post-retirement

After leaving Chester in the summer of 2014 Griffin became a coach at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.[44]

Career statistics

As of 3 May 2014[45]
Club statistics
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Stoke City 1996–97 First Division 3411010—361
1997–98 2311040—281
Total 5722050—642
Newcastle United 1997–98 Premier League 40000000—40
1998–99 140301010—190
1999–2000 31000000—31
2000–01 1902040—250
2001–02 400010—50
2002–03 2711010111—402
2003–04 50001020—80
Total 7626080141—1043
Portsmouth 2004–05 Premier League 2201040—270
2005–06 2100000—210
2006–07 000000—00
Total 4301040—480
Stoke City (loan) 2006–07 Championship 3321000—342
Derby County 2007–08 Premier League 1500000—150
Stoke City 2007–08 Championship 1500000—150
2008–09 Premier League 2000010—210
2009–10 000031—31
Total 3500041—391
Reading 2009–10 Championship 2104000—250
2010–11 3301010—3[lower-alpha 1]0380
2011–12 900010—90
Total 6305010—30720
Doncaster Rovers 2012–13 League One 1601000—1[lower-alpha 2]0180
Chester 2013–14 Conference Premier 4000—0040
Career total 3426160221141403988
  1. ↑ Appearances in Championship play-offs.
  2. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy

Honours

Club

Newcastle United
Stoke City
Reading
Doncaster Rovers

Individual

References

  1. ↑ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 520. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  2. ↑ "STOKE CITY: I SHOULD NEVER HAVE LEFT, SAYS GRIFFIN". The Sentinel. 11 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Lowe, Simon (2000). Stoke City The Modern Era – A Complete Record. Desert Island Books. ISBN 1-874287-39-2.
  4. ↑ Stewart, Rob (28 October 2002). "Griffin is amazed to discover hidden scoring touch". The Daily Telegraph. London: Telegraph News and Media Limited. Retrieved 12 August 2007.
  5. ↑ "Andy Griffin". toon1892.co.uk. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  6. ↑ Walker, Michael (24 October 2002). "Griffin keeps Magpies alive". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  7. ↑ Winter, Henry (23 October 2002). "Newcastle cut pride of Italy down to size". The Daily Telegraph. London: Telegraph News and Media Limited. Retrieved 12 August 2007.
  8. ↑ "Griffin faces Newcastle exit". BBC Sport. 1 April 2004. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  9. ↑ "Pompey swoop for Griffin". BBC Sport. 26 May 2004. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  10. ↑ "Griffin took LuaLua advice". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  11. ↑ "Portsmouth 0–2 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  12. ↑ "Potters extend Griffin loan deal". BBC Sport. 1 October 2006. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  13. ↑ "Leeds 0–4 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  14. ↑ "Stoke 1–0 Coventry". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  15. ↑ "Pulis hails matchwinner Griffin". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  16. ↑ "Stoke eye Hendrie & Griffin loans". BBC Sport. 23 May 2007. Retrieved 23 May 2007.
  17. ↑ "Griffin considers return to Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  18. ↑ "Derby complete capture of Griffin". BBC Sport. 1 August 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  19. ↑ "Double injury worry for Rams boss". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  20. ↑ "Griffin to have talks with Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  21. ↑ "Griffin ties up Potters transfer". BBC Sport. 11 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  22. ↑ "Stoke's Eustace moves to Watford". BBC Sport. 31 January 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2008.
  23. 1 2 "Griffin proud to be made captain". BBC Sport. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2008.
  24. ↑ "QPR 3–0 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  25. ↑ "Griffin gets red card rescinded". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  26. ↑ "Griffin slams referees' decisions". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  27. ↑ "Griffin set to be out for season". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  28. ↑ "I made the wrong move – Griffin". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  29. ↑ Doyle, Paul (28 December 2008). "Fuming Fuller slaps his captain". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
  30. ↑ "Stoke manager to deal with Fuller". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  31. ↑ "Stoke will recover – Higginbotham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  32. ↑ "Fuller sorry for Griffin incident". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  33. ↑ "Stoke duo put dispute behind them". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  34. ↑ "Faye proud of his Stoke accolades". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  35. ↑ "Stoke 4 – 3 Blackpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  36. ↑ "Reading secure loan signing of Stoke's Andy Griffin". ESPN. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  37. ↑ "Stoke City's Andy Griffin signs for Reading on loan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  38. ↑ "Reading sign right-back Andy Griffin from Stoke City". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  39. ↑ "Reading offer new deal to Ian Harte but trio leave". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  40. ↑ "Andy Griffin joins Doncaster Rovers on non-contract terms". BBC Sport. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  41. ↑ "Doncaster Rovers: Griffin not in Dickov’s plans". Sheffield Star. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  42. ↑ "Chester sign Andy Griffin, James Caton & Luke Ashworth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  43. ↑ "Games played by Andy Griffin in 2013/14". Soccerbase. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  44. ↑ "Andy Griffin approaches next chapter of his career with Newcastle College". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  45. ↑ "Andy Griffin". Soccerbase. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
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