Profile:

Australian centre-back Adam Griffiths joined Watford on an initial six-month contract from KV Oostende in Belgium. Having trained as a youngster at the Australian Institute of Sport, he began his professional career as a midfielder at Northern Spirit in Australia before moving in June 2002 to play for Newcastle United (the lesser-known, Australian, one) where despite initial reluctance he was successfully converted to playing in central defence.

Having had a trial spell at Mouscron in 2003, Griffiths moved in summer 2004 to Oostende, for whom he played twenty-two games. He was one of four Aussies at the club (all of whom left following the club's relegation that season); another was former Australian international and Watford "legend" Paul Okon, who seems to have been an inspiration to him. Hoping he'd be able to emulate his twin brother Joel (Neuchatel Xamax) who's broken into the national team, Adam joined Watford in July 2005.

"I always wanted to come to England," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him this summer, "and Watford is a great opportunity. I'm enjoying being a central defender now, and things are looking promising in terms of playing in the first team. If I'm playing week-in, week-out for Watford, then I'd like to think someone is going to come and watch me."

The day after signing he made his debut during the tour in Denmark in the 4-0 defeat of Vejle Boldklub, and he also made appearances in the 3-0 loss to Randers and the 2-1 win at Dulwich Hamlet (where he notched the equaliser). Since then, though, the only first-team chance he's had was as an injury-time sub at Alec Chamberlain's testimonial.

The start of the season saw him limited to the reserves, and his chances of first-team football have been further hindered by an ankle injury and the signings of Clark Carlisle and Malky Mackay. Bearing in mind the club's current propensity to chop and change, it wouldn't be very surprising to see Griffiths traded - possibly to Stockport County, where he reportedly impressed during a trial spell last season and who may be interested now that the paperwork for him to play in England has gone through.

Andy Barnard
Last updated: August 2005