Former Celtic Hero Leigh Griffiths Continues Australian Journey

Former Celtic and Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths has found a new club this week, and has already made a scoring start. The 22-times capped Scotland international, who famously netted a pair of stunning free kicks against England at Hampden, has continued his late-career adventure in Australia by signing for National Premier Leagues Western Australia side Stirling Macedonia. A Career of Goals Griffiths, who turns 35 in August, enjoyed a fruitful career in the British Isles. He began as a youngster at Livingston before productive spells with Dundee, Wolves and Hibs, eventually joining Celtic in January 2014. During his eight years with the Hoops, he became a firm fan favourite and was the main man in attack during his first two and a half seasons at Celtic Park. Celtic Highs and Changing Roles However, the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, along with big-name signings such as Moussa Dembélé and Odsonne Édouard in 2016 and 2017 respectively, pushed him down the pecking order. Still, the Leith-born striker contributed significantly, finishing his Celtic career with an impressive 123 goals in just 261 appearances and an incredible 14 major honours, adding to a League One title with Wolves and a Scottish Challenge Cup with Livingston. The End of the Road in Scotland Following Celtic’s failed bid for 10-in-a-row under Neil Lennon in 2021, it appeared his time in green was over, as new boss Ange Postecoglou began reshaping the squad. Despite this, Postecoglou handed Griffiths a one-year contract extension early in his tenure. But after off-field issues emerged, the striker was quickly side lined in favour of new arrivals Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis. A brief pre-season appearance in a defeat to West Ham at Celtic Park was followed by a loan move back to Dundee. His second spell at Dens Park failed to match the success of his first, and by January his loan was cut short, his Celtic contract was terminated, and he dropped down to League One with Falkirk. His stint with Falkirk was also underwhelming, bringing a torrid season for the forward to a close. Without a club and seemingly without direction, Griffiths found himself in the footballing wilderness. A Fresh Chapter Down Under But in August 2022, he found a fresh start and a new lease of life, joining Australian side Mandurah City in the third tier. Although a step down in quality, the move brought a better lifestyle for him and his family, sparking an Indian summer in his career. Griffiths went on to score 27 goals in 46 appearances over three years with the Dolphins, while also beginning his coaching journey. He briefly considered a return to Scotland with Livingston, but no deal came to fruition. He also added to his trophy haul with Top Four Cup wins in 2022 and 2023. Early Impact at Stirling Macedonia With this latest move, Griffiths seems settled and content with his life Down Under. Stirling Macedonia are already in the Football West State Cup Final, where they will face rivals Olympic Kingsway. Their recent victory over Inglewood has also secured a spot in next season’s Australia Cup, giving Griffiths the chance to test himself against the nation’s top sides. Griffiths seems to have already made a scoring start, with reports showing a goal in his debut appearance for his new side. Looking Ahead with Purpose His time in Scotland was filled with goals and silverware but also marred by controversy and a difficult end. Now, however, the former Celtic hero appears to have finally found maturity, purpose, and happiness in a new chapter on the other side of the world.