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Andy Griffin
Personal information
Full name	Andrew Griffin
Date of birth	March 7, 1979 (1979-03-07) (age 28)
Place of birth	Higher End, Wigan, England
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position	Full back
Club information
Current club	Derby County
Number	18
Senior clubs1
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1996–1998 1998–2004 2004–2007 2006–2007 2007–	Stoke City Newcastle United Portsmouth → Stoke City (loan) Derby County	57 (2) 76 (2) 43 (0) 33 (2) 11 (0)
1 Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:39, 10 November 2007 (UTC). * Appearances (Goals)

Andrew "Andy" Griffin, (born March 7, 1979 in Billinge Higher End, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan) is an English footballer, currently playing for Derby County.

Griffin began his career at Stoke City F.C., where he established a reputation as a solid wing-back defender. His impressive performances for the Potters meant he was signed by Newcastle United F.C. for a fee of £1.5million in January 1998.

He settled quickly into the side, earning call-ups to the England Under-18 and Under-21 teams. However, he suffered a series of injuries in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons which hampered his progress and involvement with the first team.

Griffin enjoyed something of a resurgence under Sir Bobby Robson and made several solid performances during the 2002-03 season, including in the UEFA Champions League, when his winning goal against Juventus rekindled his side's campaign.

However, strong competition for places and yet another niggling injury took their toll in 2003-04, and when his contract expired at the end of the season he moved to Portsmouth on a free transfer, having played 104 games for Newcastle, scoring three goals.

Griffin in action for Derby County.

Initially he found himself under fire from supporters but gradually won them over with a tough-tackling and committed style. However, by the summer of 2006 he appeared to be out of Harry Redknapp's plans and in September of that year he was loaned to Stoke. He is remembered by Stoke fans from his loan deal for his brilliant displays, winning over the Stoke fans, and his wonder goal in the fog against Coventry from 35 yards out.

In an unfortunate accident while playing a casual game of football, a rash challenge from Michael Parker left Andrew with a broken 3rd metatarsal. He also damaged the cruciate ligaments in his left knee.

Griffin again joined Stoke City on loan on January 19, 2007 until June 2007, with a view to making his move permanent. He returned to Portsmouth at the close of the 2006/07 season, however Stoke City manager Tony Pulis admitted he was keen to bring Griffin back to the club.^[1]

However, on July 31, 2007 Griffin signed for Derby County on a three year deal.^[2]

• Andrew Griffin is eligible for both England and Republic of Ireland.

• Andy Griffin career stats at Soccerbase
• BBC profile