Ex-Toon Defender As Dignified As Ever!

Last Updated : 19-Sep-2007 by
Griffin signed for Newcastle from Stoke City back in 1997 and spent eight years at St James' Park.

But he was hit by injury problems and only managed 90 starts, with 13 substitute appearances.

He joined Portsmouth in 2004 and, as a free agent, moved to Derby in the summer. 
The Magpies were well below average at Pride Park, but the full-back still insists his former club can return to the Champions League.
 
Griffin: "United can get back to the Champions League, yes.

"It is about consistency. When I was there you had great leaders in Alan Shearer and Gary Speed who drove you on to back-to-back wins.

"They were great players and they will need people like that to do the same now.

"Derby got the result last night and unfortunately it was against my old club.

"I am not happy I have got one over my old club - far from it. I have no animosity against Newcastle, I loved it up there and I could not speak more highly of the people and the football club.

"I enjoyed it and I wish them good luck and I hope they bounce back."