from soccernet.com
Heskey completes Wigan move
Emile Heskey has completed a whirlwind round of talks to become the most expensive player in Wigan's history.
At 6pm last night Wigan had agreed with Birmingham a £5.5million fee for the striker, and by 1.30pm today the 28-year-old had put pen to paper to a three-year contract. Former England forward Heskey's arrival smashes their previous record transfer fee when they paid £3.1million for Henri Camara last summer. Although unable to prevent Birmingham from sliding into the Coca- Cola Championship at the end of last season, Heskey has made a quicker-than-expected return to the Premiership. 'I want to play in the Premiership like every player does,' said the former Liverpool star who had no hesitation in returning to the north-west. 'What Wigan have achieved over the past few years is nothing short of amazing. 'I've talked to a lot of mates within the game and they have said nothing but good things about the manager and the way the club is run. 'I was very impressed with how Paul Jewell sold the club to me. The ambition is here and the role he sees for me. I can't wait to get started.' After 78 appearances for the Blues, Heskey was disappointed to leave St Andrews, but is confident of making an impact at the JJB Stadium. Speaking to the official Wigan website, Heskey added: 'It's always sad when you leave somewhere and I'd like to say thank you to all the Birmingham fans, and to Steve Bruce, for all their support. 'But I'm a Wigan Athletic player now and I want to start showing everyone what I can do.'
Heskey completes Wigan move
Emile Heskey has completed a whirlwind round of talks to become the most expensive player in Wigan's history.
At 6pm last night Wigan had agreed with Birmingham a £5.5million fee for the striker, and by 1.30pm today the 28-year-old had put pen to paper to a three-year contract. Former England forward Heskey's arrival smashes their previous record transfer fee when they paid £3.1million for Henri Camara last summer. Although unable to prevent Birmingham from sliding into the Coca- Cola Championship at the end of last season, Heskey has made a quicker-than-expected return to the Premiership. 'I want to play in the Premiership like every player does,' said the former Liverpool star who had no hesitation in returning to the north-west. 'What Wigan have achieved over the past few years is nothing short of amazing. 'I've talked to a lot of mates within the game and they have said nothing but good things about the manager and the way the club is run. 'I was very impressed with how Paul Jewell sold the club to me. The ambition is here and the role he sees for me. I can't wait to get started.' After 78 appearances for the Blues, Heskey was disappointed to leave St Andrews, but is confident of making an impact at the JJB Stadium. Speaking to the official Wigan website, Heskey added: 'It's always sad when you leave somewhere and I'd like to say thank you to all the Birmingham fans, and to Steve Bruce, for all their support. 'But I'm a Wigan Athletic player now and I want to start showing everyone what I can do.'
