Newcastle Jets marquee signing Emile Heskey believes he is a chance to play in his club’s opening Hyundai A-League game of the season against Adelaide United after arriving for his first training session in good fitness.
Newcastle Jets marquee signing Emile Heskey believes he is a chance to play in his club’s opening Hyundai A-League game of the season against Adelaide United after arriving for his first training session in good fitness.
Heskey flew into Australia Friday morning and joined his team-mates for an informal training session on the Hunter Stadium pitch later that afternoon after charming the media at a packed press conference.
“My fitness is not too bad. I have been doing a bit with (Wigan’s) development group, their Under 21s – they are young lads and they keep you fit,” Heskey said.
“But I haven’t played any games and everyone knows match fitness is different to training every day.
“But I spoke to everyone here and we will be working towards that first game.
“That is what we will be building for to see if I can play. I am here to play.”
Jets coach Gary Van Egmond said it is fantastic to welcome Heskey to the club but he warned he would not be tempted into rushing the former England international onto the pitch.
“We will know more as we go along,” van Egmond said.
“He doesn’t look as if he is carrying excess weight or anything like that but our challenge is to make sure we don’t push him too hard too early and make sure we get the best out of him.”
Van Egmond said Heskey’s signing is a massive boost for the club and for football in Australia, and feels he is the perfect player to complement the rest of the Jets line-up.
“We were definitely looking to get that No.9 who has that presence and has those characteristics that Emile has,” van Egmond said.
“He is an out and out No.9 and we have been looking for someone who will lead the line in that attacking strike sense and someone who is going to lead the line for us and is going to benefit all the players who play around him.
“Everyone involved with the club and fans in Newcastle should be over the moon.
“It is not every day you get a player of this ilk who comes to our shores and plays for the club and the home fans are going to be able to see him in the flesh for 13 games this year.
“We have a young squad and the younger players will definitely benefit from what Emile has offer. And not just the younger payers – the coaching staff and the other things Emile brings to the club is invaluable.”
Heskey admitted he was tired from the long flight out to Australia but said he was already enjoying the sunshine with the temperate in Newcastle on Friday being a barmy 29 degrees.
“When I left England it was raining so it is nice to have little bit of sun but I am sure I will get used to it,” Heskey said.
“I spoke to Robbie (Fowler) and he said where he was it was hotter and more humid where he played and he got used to it quite quickly so I am sure I will get used to it as well.
“I went to the World Cup in South Africa and it was difficult at times but you get used to it.”
