It's from teamtwaddle and I have no idea where they got the quote from, however to me it sugeests that Griffin may be taking over the right back spot from Barton.

Robson backs Griffin

Bobby Robson has explained the decision to drop full-back Andy Griffin from his squad for Saturday's game at Leeds. The England Under-21 international has been outstanding in recent weeks against a host of star names but failed even to make Newcastle's bench at Elland Road. However, Robson insisted that his decision didn't represent a snub to Griffin, explaining: "The Leeds game was unique and Andy was a victim of circumstances. He was unlucky to be left out. "I put Warren Barton back in because he's good in the air and Leeds are a big team. If anything, Griffin is a little on the small side. "On the bench, I wanted Marcelino and I needed a midfielder. After that, I thought that if we were going to struggle in any department at Leeds it would be up front, so I named two forwards as substitutes to complete the set. "I had a talk with Andy on the morning of the Leeds match about the situation and I was happy with his attitude. He has been marvellous against Kewell, Giggs and Ginola in recent weeks - I saw his quality against those opponents and I'm very happy with him."

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Answers

I hope he can give Griffin enough games to keep him happy. He's potentially one of the best right backs in the country and it would be a shame if we lost him.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

I think we'll see a fair bit of both of them this season and possibly even next. But after that if Griffin continues to show the decent form he has, he can surely expect to occupy the Newcastle United Right Back slot for the next decade if he wants it.

Robson's concerns about the lack of his height show why Barton was included on Saturday and is a fair point. As Rik says if Griffin can be content with sharing the role for a little while longer he will be rewarded in the future. Robson seems hell bent on explaning everything to him, which makes me think Robson is anxious to keep him at all costs.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Thats the only interesting thing about Teamtalk. Every time you look at it, you see quotes from interviews that appear NOWHERE else. Now, either they are regarded incredibly highly to get such regular interviews with all these clubs(and have a massive number of staff) OR they make it all up. hmmmm......

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Andy Griffin is a top player.

It's funny, for all of Dalglish's shortcomings, he made some bloody good buys - Solano, Griffin, Dabizas, Speed, Given, Glass as well as Serrant, Hamilton and Brady.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Yup he got some good players and even the players he sold/bought then were sold by TDM/YBR may actually have made a PROFIT. Unfortunately he was a manager who cudnt manage a football team.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

hmmmmm.

Elliott = Pistone, Serrant & Domi

Watson = Griffin, Charvet & Paddy Kelly

Clark = Maric, Ketbsaia, Tommasson

Take your pick. Any more examples....? I think the key point is: Were they better than the players we already had? Answer: not in my opinion.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

He signed so many that by the law of averages some of them had to come good!

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001