Griffin is on his way to Pompey Andy Griffin has become the first player to leave St James' Park after signing a four-year contract with Portsmouth. Pompey will wait until the dust settles in the row between chairman Milan Mandaric and manager Harry Redknapp before announcing the deal to their fans. But the Newcastle United full-back has already put pen to paper on a new deal at Fratton Park with his with contract at St James' Park running out at the end of next month. United had originally planned to offer the England Under-21 a new contract in January but they finally lost patience when more injuries kept him out at the end of last season. However, at least Griffin will leave with his head held high after coming in and doing a splendid job in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield - a result which saw United qualify for the UEFA Cup. Griffin, a Lancashire lad, was signed by Kenny Dalglish from Stoke City in February 1988 for £1.5m but never really gained a regular United place because of a series of injuries. His most rewarding campaign was last term when he managed 40 appearances - including scoring the winner in a Champions League tussle with Juventus - and only 12 months ago his future looked assured when he was handed the number two squad number. But Griffin made only eight starts this time around, and a player who earned a reputation in his younger days for tackling high-profile opponents like David Beckham, Harry Kewell and David Ginola, now prepares to move on. He added: "This season was a frustrating one. Last season was a huge personal success for me because I played a lot of games both in the Premiership and the Champions League. "I got off to a decent start this time but then it all faded away. I've been in and out of the team with injuries in my time here. They don't help but that's part and parcel of football and now it's time to move on. "I've had my ups and downs but also some fantastic games at Newcastle over six years and I don't regret anything."
Bad move for us imo. Last season he was excellent. This season he has had injury problems. Just when he looks to have recovered, we let him go. Young, english and very decent when fit. Why release him?
Oh.. Bye then.:spangled: No seriously, last season I rated him but to be honest I've forgotten how good he is as he's been injured so often.. good luck to him though.
