Newcastle Jets striker Joel Griffiths cited the re-signing of coach Gary van Egmond and the upcoming Asian Champions League campaign as key reasons for extending his stay for a further three years at the A-League champions.
The 29-year-old will become the club’s marquee player on a lucrative deal, reportedly around the $1 million mark, keeping him in the steel city until the end of 2011-12 and potentially the remainder of his career.
Van Egmond and assistant Mark Jones signed on for a further three years a week ago, with club chief executive John Tsatsimas believing the past seven days could potentially set a “platform which will ensure the long-term stability and success of our club”.
“Gary’s one of the major factors for why I stayed,” Griffiths said at the announcement today.
“We have a good relationship. The environment at training is always enjoyable.”
The former Leeds United player added the club’s maiden foray into Asia was another determining factor in his decision to stay on.
“We worked so hard just to make the Asian Champions League and to actually leave halfway through would have been disappointing not only for myself but for the clubs and the fans as well,” he said.
“That was definitely in the back of mind. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new chapter and hopefully we can be as a successful as Adelaide.”
Griffiths has been a talisman for the Jets since joining from Leeds in 2006, scoring 24 goals in 50 appearances.
Van Egmond said he had been at least as effective as any of the marquee players to have graced the A-League and deserved the status.
“If you look at it, he’s probably been more important than any of the marquee players that have been here prior,” said van Egmond.
“If you take Dwight Yorke out he’s probably been close to the face of the A-League.
“It’s not just on his marketability, it’s also on his effectiveness on the football park and that’s paramount.
“For us he really trains and plays with a strong intensity which is infectious to the rest of the team.”
Griffiths picked up a hamstring injury in last round’s 2-0 loss to Adelaide and faces a month on the sidelines.
“I’m really grateful for the club for showing me the faith not only to sign me for three years as a player but also as a marquee player,” he added.
“I’m very happy and hopefully I can go on to the next level.”
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