Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold has continued to build his squad for next season, signing former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Rostyn Griffiths on a two-year deal.
Griffiths, who played for North Queensland Fury in the Hyundai A-League last season, joins the Mariners until the end of the 2011/12 season.
The 22-year-old is Arnold’s third signing since taking the reins of the Mariners, joining Young Socceroos defenders Sam Gallagher and Trent Sainsbury at the club.
And the former Socceroos coach is confident Griffiths’ versatility will make him a key component of the Mariners squad.
“He is solid in defence but can get forward as well, and hopefully he’ll prove very useful for us next season,” Arnold said.
“He’s tall, he’s strong, and he can play in a number of positions.”
“I was impressed with him at North Queensland Fury, especially as a central defender. He can also play defensive midfield but every time he has played central defence they have kept a clean sheet.”
“He’s a natural defensive midfielder so he’s very good on the ball but his positioning we will work on him tactically, but I think Mariners supporters will see a lot from him.”
Griffiths, who was born in England but grew up raised in Western Australia, signed with Blackburn in 2006, before stints with Scottish club Gretna and then Accrington Stanley.
He returned to Australia two years ago with Adelaide United before spending last season in Townsville with the Fury.
Griffiths almost signed with the Central Coast last year after a brief trial but said he is delighted to now officially link with the club.
“It’s a really well run club, and being around the boys on trial last year was a great experience so it’ll be nice to go back there,” he said.
“I’m thankful to the Fury for my time there, but this is a good opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to working under Graham Arnold and hopefully helping the Mariners to some silverware.”
