The Newcastle Jets have bolstered their forwards stocks by signing former Socceroo Ryan Griffiths to an 18-month deal starting in January 2011.
Griffiths, who currently plays alongside brother and former Jets star Joel in Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan is set to take over the Newcastle attack once current striker Francis Jeffers finishes his 10-game guest stint with the club at the end of 2010.
Griffiths is no stranger to the Hunter region, appearing for Newcastle United in the National Soccer League 52 times between 2002 and 2004.
“I played most of my career in Australia in Newcastle so to be able to come home and play with the Jets is really exciting,” Griffiths said.
“The club is doing some great things on and off the field so I’m glad to have an opportunity to contribute.”
The signing of Griffiths, who made his international debut for Australia in 2006 and last played for the Socceroos in 2008 against Singapore, is a major coup for the club who keep prospering under the guidance of new owner Nathan Tinkler and head coach Branko Culina.
Jets Chief Executive Officer John Tsatsimas said the club was rapidly becoming an appealing option for both domestic and overseas-based players.
“When you’re able to attract great overseas-based talent such as Ryan you know you are heading down the right track,” Tsatsimas said.
“Our squad is going from strength to strength under Branko’s leadership and we hope to continue to make great strides off the field.”
“We look forward to welcoming Ryan into the fold and into a Jets jumper.”
All going well, Griffiths will make his Jets debut at EnergyAustralia Stadium for the clash against Sydney FC on January 3.
