Football: Griffiths confirmed for Phoenix

Former Newcastle striker Joel Griffiths will link with good friend Andrew Durante at the Phoenix. Photo / Getty

The Wellington Phoenix have bolstered their attacking options by signing Joel Griffiths for the rest of the season.

The former Socceroo scored 62 goals in 128 games for the Newcastle Jets before recently parting ways with the club, allowing his move to the capital on a short-term deal.

"Joel has a great work ethic and has scored goals wherever he has played,' said Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick. "He is just the type of player we need with the season entering a crucial stage and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."

Griffiths, set to join an attack already boasting Nathan Burns and Roy Krishna, was looking forward to the next chapter in his football career.

"I have been watching the Phoenix this season and it isn't the team I used to know," he said. "They are playing really good football, which I appreciate, and they have some X factor players in the team.

"They have two of the most dangerous players in the league up front, have a talented midfield, and at the back have guys who have played together for a long time and are comfortable with each other."

Griffiths credited the club, the PFA and the FFA for getting his move across the line, after an acrimonious exit from Newcastle. The Jet's all-time leading scorer was one of five players sacked mid-season by owner Nathan Tinkler, initially refusing to budge before last week agreeing to a mutual termination.

The striker will now enjoy the opportunity to link with long-time friend Andrew Durante, with the pair playing together on the Jet's title-winning 2008 team.

"Dura has told me some very good things about what is happening at the Phoenix, about Ernie Merrick and the staff he has around him," Griffiths said. "I am very excited about the next three months and I want to contribute to what they are trying to achieve. The last nine games in any league are crucial and I will be giving it everything I have.

"It will be hard work and it was tough leaving a young family (wife Bianca, five-year-old daughter Jazelle and two-year-old son Billy) so I want to make it worthwhile.

"I've never been one to cut corners and I am here to do a job. It isn't financial because I don't need the money, but I love football and enjoy a challenge."