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Heskey joins Newcastle Jets

Emile Heskey is off to Australia © PA Photos

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Former England striker Emile Heskey has completed a deal to sign for the Newcastle Jets.

Heskey was released by Aston Villa at the end of last season having also played for Liverpool, Birmingham, Wigan Athletic and Leicester during his Premier League career.

The 34-year-old has penned a one-year deal in Australia and Jets coach Gary van Egmond was delighted to finally get his man.

"Emile is someone who has unbelievable experience, having played for England 62 times," Van Egmond said. "His effectiveness in being able to hold the ball up and invite other players to play off him is going to be a big benefit to us.

"He's someone who can really lead the line and is exactly what we've been missing."

Heskey is a winner of the FA Cup, Football League Cup and UEFA Cup and made a total of 516 Premier League appearances, scoring 110 goals. He appeared in two World Cups with England, earning 62 caps in total, and netting seven goals.

"This is an exciting new period in my life and I am looking forward to making a special contribution to the A-League and most importantly, to the Jets," Heskey said.

"I hope I can help grow football at the grassroots level and also provide advice to young players at the Jets. The season isn't far away, so I will be in Newcastle soon, training with my new teammates and be ready for kick off on October 7."

Heskey is set to link up with former Newcastle and Leeds striker Michael Bridges at the Jets, who finished seventh in last season's A-League standings.

"To secure the signature of Emile is a fantastic result for the Jets and for the A-League," Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.

"Emile has played our game at the highest level in England, both internationally and domestically, and he finished last season playing with Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

"We are aware that Emile had other offers but he is genuinely excited to be a part of what we want to achieve at the Jets. He was particularly interested in our Emerging Jets Program as this is what most Premier League Clubs have already established.

"Emile's relationship with former English Premier League players Michael Bridges and Robbie Fowler assisted him in understanding what the A-League has to offer. We would like to thank the FFA for their assistance in securing Emile, in particular the A-League's new CEO Damien De Bohun."

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