Newcastle forward Ryan Griffiths is planning to use his experience to take on more of a leadership role with the Jets.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Ryan Griffiths says he hopes to use his experience to help the younger members of the Jets squad continue their football development this season.
At 30 years of age, Griffiths is one of the elder statesmen in the young Jets squad Gary van Egmond is assembling for the upcoming A-League season and he said he is looking forward to taking on more of a leadership role.
“It-s something I-ve got to look forward to, it-s something that I-ve got to embrace and I-m more than happy to do that,” Griffiths said.
“If they want to ask me any questions I-m always open, and if they have any questions about what it-s like and pressures and things like that then I-m happy to help.”
Griffiths said the batch of new recruits had already brought a positive vibe with them to training.
“Myself, I always give it to the younger players and say they have to keep up with me and things like that,” he said.
“There-s a lot of banter going on at the moment and they-re calling me old man and I-m only 30, but I-m copping it from left, right and centre so it-s good fun and a good atmosphere.”
Despite being the Jets- equal leading goal scorer last season, Griffiths believes he still has a lot more to offer the Club from an individual perspective.
“On a personal level, I want to do a lot better. I was happy with the amount of games that I played, I completed almost every game and it-s really good to have that kind of base,” Griffith explained.
“But I-d like to score a few more goals and have a few more assists and definitely be more of an impact player in the coming season.”
Griffiths is confident the Jets are putting together a team that can be a fierce competitor in the A-League next season and he said with that will come expectations.
“There-s a lot of expectations. We-ve got a lot to prove to the community and even to our boss,” he said.
“We-ve got a lot to prove to the league and everybody knows how important Newcastle is to the league.
“I-m pretty sure there-s going to be a lot of eyes on us and I hope the players can just get all that off their shoulders and concentrate on playing good football.
“We-ve got some new players here which looks promising for the future, now it-s just all about us getting together now and getting that cohesion and preparing well for the season.”
