Leigh Griffiths has made a stunning return to the game after agreeing a huge career change with a move to Australian lower league side Mandurah City FC.
The former Hibs, Celtic and Dundee star has joined the club for their final two home games of their campaign against Western Knights and Dianella White Eagles in the Western Australia State League Division One. They currently sit fourth in the league standings and still have an outside change of finishing runners up. Griffiths finished off last season in Scottish League One with Falkirk and has been on the lookout for his next journey after leaving the Bairns. He will now play under a familiar name to Scottish football fans in John Baird.
The 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience to his new side with goals at the top level for both club and country - including an unforgettable free-kick double for Scotland against England at Hampden His new side have described his capture as not only one of the biggest transfer in their history but also in Australia NPL and State League football history.
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A club statement read: "Mandurah City Football Club are delighted to announce that former Scotland and Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths will be joining the club.
"The experienced 31 year old striker is a proven goal scorer in the Scottish Premier League and on an international level.
"Born in Edinburgh, Griffiths’ senior career commenced at the age of 16 for Livingston FC. He then went on to play for Dundee, Wolverhampton Wanderers & Hibernian before signing for Celtic where he made over 200 appearances scoring over 115 goals. Throughout Leigh’s career so far, multiple awards have been won which include PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Player of the Year & Scottish Football Writers Player of the Year.
"Leigh represented Scotland at an under-19 and under-21 level and was part of the squad that reached the 2011 UEFA Under-21 Championship play-offs, narrowly losing out to Iceland. With his undoubtable talent Leigh went on to make 22 appearances for his country, scoring 4 goals including the 2 well known free kicks against England in 2017.
"Mandurah Head Coach John Baird is thrilled to have completed the services of the Scotsman for the remainder of the year. Leigh is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings in not only Mandurah’s history, but one of the biggest in Australian NPL & State League football history.
"Leigh will play the last 2 home games of the season in the famous Black & White.
"Welcome to Mandurah Leigh!"
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