Heskey Is A Latic

Emile Heskey has joined Wigan Athletic in a £5.5million move from Birmingham City. He becomes the Latics' most expensive player ever, eclipsing the Emile Heskey has joined Wigan Athletic in a £3million paid for Henri Camara last year.

The 28-year-old former? England striker has signed a three-year deal.

Manager Paul Jewell said: 'This is a major coup for Wigan Athletic. I have said all along I want to bring real quality performers into this club, and Emile fits into that category.'

He added: 'He is the most high-profile signing this club has ever made, but I've not bought him for his reputation, I've bought him because I know what he can do on a football field.

'He's played over 300 Premiership games, was a mainstay in the Liverpool and England attack for several seasons and has played and scored in both the World Cup and the UEFA Cup.

'I can understand Steve Bruce not wanting to sell him because he has been a big player for him.

'But I expect Emile to make a major impact at Wigan because he has the talent, drive and attitude to fit into the team and play a major part in our development. Of that I am totally convinced.'

Jewell has often struggled in the transfer market in the past to sign the more well-known players when they become available. But he is now hoping with the capture of Heskey, the tide has turned.

'We have been monitoring the situation for a long time as regards his availability, and there were naturally several other clubs interested in a player of his quality,' added Jewell.

'It speaks volumes about how far we have come as a club that we have beaten established Premiership clubs to net a player of his stature, just as he has reached his prime.'

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