solid performances during the 2002–03 season, including in the UEFA Champions League, when his winning goal against Juventus rekindled his side's campaign. Injuries and a failure to get a regular place in the side saw him not offered a new contract by Newcastle at the end of the 2003–04 season. Portsmouth Griffin joined Portsmouth in May 2004 on a free transfer. After agreeing to join the Fratton Park club Griffin revealed that he took the advice of former Newcastle teammate Lomana LuaLua. His Pompey career got off to a bad start as he conceded an own goal on his debut in a 2–0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. He played 27 games in 2004–05 and 21 games in 2005–06. Stoke City loan By the summer of 2006 he dropped out of Harry Redknapp's plans and in September of that year he was loaned to former club Stoke City. He became first choice right back under Tony Pulis as was a number of loan signings for Stoke in the 2006–07 season which helped turn around the club's fortunes. He scored two goals for Stoke, firstly against Leeds United in a 4–0 victory, and then a "sensational 30-yard strike" against Coventry City. After the match Pulis spoke of his delight at Griffin's goal and performance. "It was an absolutely fantastic goal. It was top drawer. He came through the ranks at Stoke as a kid and that will mean a lot to him. It will have been lovely for him to score because he's got family here. We're delighted that Portsmouth have allowed us to have him on loan." He played 34 matches for Stoke in 2006–07 as Stoke narrowly missed out on a play-off place and Pulis confirmed that he would like to sign Griffin permanently. Derby County On 31 July 2007 Griffin signed for Premier League side Derby County on a three-year deal. He was initially Derby's first choice right back, but when Tyrone Mears returned from injury and Paul Jewell replaced Billy Davies as Derby manager, he found his chances in the first team restricted. Griffin was given permission to talk to Stoke City. Return to Stoke City On 11 January 2008 Griffin moved back to Stoke City for a fee of £300,000, signing a 4 and a half-year contract. In January 2008, Stoke sold captain John Eustace to Watford. This move saw Griffin named Stoke's new captain despite