demba Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/264787,ryan-griffiths-set-for-newcastle-exit.aspx By Kathy StoneFeb 26 2013 11:38 Get more on: ryan | griffiths | newcastle | jets | wellington |phoenix | a-league | nsl RYAN Griffiths’ looks set to exit Newcastle Jets after he was left out of the squad that flew to Wellington for tomorrow night's clash against Phoenix. The 31-year-old is believed to be close to a return to the Chinese Super League where he spent almost four years, winning the championship with Beijing Guoan in 2009. But the Hunter outfit declined to comment on their current joint top goalscorer's absence from the line-up except to say it was for “personal reasons”. The Jets have not won at Westpac Stadium in six years. Griffiths has been a key source of goals for the club which is in a desperate dogfight to retain their top six finals spot with just five games remaining. Currently sitting sixth, they are equal on points with Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC and just two points ahead of defending champs Brisbane Roar. Sydney-born Griffiths has racked up nine goals this season – level with marquee Emile Heskey – and leads his teammates with five assists. The player quit the CSL for Australia in 2011, joining the Jets where his twin brothers, Joel and Adam, have both played. Last year he signed a two-year contract extension, sticking with the outfit during the turmoil between owner Nathan Tinkler and the FFA which threatened to destroy the club. But admits he came close to pulling the pin. In October he told Australian FourFourTwo: “I was actually getting things together to look for a new place to live and a new club when I got the phone call they were back in the A-League. It was a relief.” In the same piece he spoke of his special connection with the club. “All I wanted to do was come back and play for the Newcastle Jets,” he said. “Joel and Adam both had success winning the A-League grand final up here so I’d like to do something like that.” He was also revelling in his leadership role within the young squad and spoke of the differences between playing in the CSL and the A-League. “In China it was a lot of individual skill and brilliance and all I had to do was knock in the goals and they’d be happy, whereas at the Jets I have to do a lot more pressing up front,” he said. “ I had to put on about four kilograms – Australian players are a lot stronger.” He added: “Over in Beijing you can be an absolute rock star and then you come back here and – nothing. “When I left Beijing there were so many people at the airport I had to get escorted through passport control. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t breathe. “And then I got home and there was no one to pick me up. I actually had to call my parents. That’s the best thing about it. You can come home and you’re a nobody. You can just relax and don’t get harassed.” Griffiths has made five appearances for the Socceroos. He played for Northern Spirit and Newcastle United Jets in the old NSL before heading overseas in 2004 where he signed for Romanian clubs National Bucuresti then Rapid Bucuesti before going out on loan to CSL outfit Liaoning Whowin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baresi Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 He's going back to China. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Zero chance of it happening. Already has his next club lined up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 No thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heart_fan10 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 hate the guy, don't want to see him anywhere near our squad. Looks like newcastle's finals hopes have taken a big blow with his departure though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harps21 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 He isn't coming, going to China This means he won't score against us again which is a positive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTP Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 /thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mus-28 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 he has a face that you want to run over with a b-double truck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 He wants a team where it can be all about him, luckily that isn't Heart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dRoy Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 I hate him. Just realized it the cunt who scored the penalty then booted the ball in the stands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Gone to Beijing Baxi. http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ryan-griffiths-leaves-jets-for-china/61723 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Gone to Beijing Baxi. http://www.footballa...for-china/61723 he probably won't be made to go and defend there, what an imposition on someone so important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 well newcastle is fooked now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitsoasis Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 well newcastle is fooked now very helpful for our finals chances 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAiDaN66 Posted February 27, 2013 Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 I have a feeling they will sign Harry kewell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahanga Posted February 27, 2013 Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 I'm glad this guy is gone. All the bloody Griffiths (or is it Griffithii?) are confusing me. Its like football's answer to the Daddos. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Libero Posted February 27, 2013 Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 I hate him. Just realized it the cunt who scored the penalty then booted the ball in the stands. rofl, was the highest point of mass retardation that has ever happened at Aami Park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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