Heskey

[Rosco]

Emile Heskey has offered a frank admission that he will seek a move from Aston Villa in January if he does not regain a starting place as he attempts to secure his inclusion in Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup finals.

The forward won his 57th cap in the 1-0 defeat by Ukraine on Saturday. It was his third start for England this season but he has started only one match in the Premier League, Villa's opening-day defeat by Wigan. Capello has made it clear to his squad they must be starting for their clubs. That warning was heeded by David Beckham when he sought his loan move to Milan last winter and it explains Michael Owen's prolonged absence from the national side.

While Heskey has become the exception, the 31-year-old concedes he will need to be starting more regularly in the months to come. With that in mind, he will seek talks with Martin O'Neill when he returns to Villa later this week. "I'm happy to be playing for England and, obviously, not playing at club level is difficult," he said. "It's something I will have to look at when I get back and try to address it."

Asked whether that meant he would seek a move in the winter transfer window, Heskey said: "That's what I mean. I will have to sit down and think about my next move. I don't know whether I can get a World Cup place if I'm not playing for Villa. The manager [Capello] hasn't really spoken to me about it. I just have to keep performing well in training and keep going. But you always wonder about those kind of things, whether it will affect my chances. I will just have to try to address it when the time is right.

"I'm never going to give up. It's just another hurdle I have to get over. I just have to try and keep my spirits up at Villa. I must keep going, keep training hard and then just try to address it. We will see what happens. But you would have to ask the manager [O'Neill] why I'm not playing."

O'Neill spent £3.5m to sign Heskey from Wigan in January but he has failed to make an impact. He has scored two league goals in 19 appearances and has slipped down the pecking order, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew more regular starters. Heskey played the last 21 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City last Monday, which Capello attended.

Beckham, too, has much to ponder hav- ing been left out of a match-day squad for the first time in his international career.

I wasn't aware that he's been so ineffective for Villa. Wasn't the accepted wisdom at the time that Martin O Neill knew how to get the best out of him ?

 

[mark1975]

Hmmm... Capello has got the best out of him, with an even worse goalscoring return.

He has been poor for Villa though, but he's had players infront of him playing alot better, I don't really know why they bought him when they have Carew.

 

[Farkmaster]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=36391.msg961145#msg961145 date=1255329847]
Hmmm... Capello has got the best out of him, with an even worse goalscoring return.

He has been poor for Villa though, but he's had players infront of him playing alot better, I don't really know why they bought him when they have Carew.
[/quote]

Carew is a much better Heskey. Heskey has looked even more useless than normal on the rare occasion I've seen him recently.

 

[keniget]

He has been abysmal for them. SO happy we didn't sign him.

I can't be bothered to read the article, but if he's doing anything remotely like complaining about not starting regularly, he's got some cheek.

 

[Terrier]

It's worth digging up that 'we should take a punt on Heskey' thread from last year, innit?

Classic cringe worth.

 

[gkmacca]

He started well enough for them, but then faded badly, with all of his neurotic little habits coming back, and MON responded with the classic man management of pretending the player didn't exist. I'm surprised Capello puts up with his antics - he jumped up on Saturday, fell down and laid there holding his back for a minute or so before very slowly sitting up, assessing the problem, realising no one gave a toss and then, very slowly, got up - all of which happened while England had the ball and was mounting an attack.

 

[Farkmaster]

[quote author=Terrier link=topic=36391.msg961162#msg961162 date=1255334528]
It's worth digging up that 'we should take a punt on Heskey' thread from last year, innit?

Classic cringe worth.
[/quote]

I don't think anyone really wanted him, there might have been the odd person that said he'd be at worst a cheap option that didn't pan out. The only person I remember reacting in any positive way was Vlad, funnily enough, but I don't think anyone was that enthusiastic.

 

[Squiggles]

If Capello remains intent on playing a target man for Rooney to play off, Carlton Cole has clearly proven himself the better option.

 

[Rafiagra]

Whats the betting we try and sign Carlton Cole in JAn.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

I wouldn't be against that actually, though he'll be over priced (and is no Dean Ashton 😉 )

 

[Rafiagra]

He's not good enough but I can see it happening

 

[keniget]

[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=36391.msg961473#msg961473 date=1255381334]
I wouldn't be against that actually, though he'll be over priced (and is no Dean Ashton 😉 )
[/quote]

Normally I wouldn't either, but I can't see any English player on the fringes of the national squad leaving a guaranteed first team spot to come sit on our bench in World Cup year.1

 

[gkmacca]

No, it makes no sense. Cole's best off where he is, and Heskey will be no better off elsewhere. No team above Villa will play him week in week out, so...I guess the logical thing is for old Emile to knuckle down and win a recall from MON.

 

[Ryan]

He's on the bench for Villa, and has been ordinary in England's last game or so, but prior to that - he was fantastic for England for about a year. It's not all about goals y'know; England are a better side with him in it, his return coincided with Rooney's massive return to form for England, and as a side they've been far far better at keeping the ball. Capello's not a fucking idiot.

 

[keniget]

Capello isn't an idiot, but Heskey is only in the side because England have practically zero options when it comes to a proper #9 who can partner Rooney. To say he's been fantastic is perhaps one of the most generous statements you'll ever make about a footballer I reckon.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=36391.msg961530#msg961530 date=1255386813]
Capello isn't an idiot, but Heskey is only in the side because England have practically zero options when it comes to a proper #9 who can partner Rooney. To say he's been fantastic is perhaps one of the most generous statements you'll ever make about a footballer I reckon.

[/quote]

He was for a few games mate. And he may only be in the side for your reason yes, but he's played well once in there, so what else can he do?

Capello rates him, and England are a better team with him in there than they were before his introduction, so say what you like about him, but it's working for England and Capello.

 

[keniget]

Maybe I lack a fundamental appreciation for the game or my bias against him is blinding me to all the good work he's been doing, but honestly, I've tried my best over the last few games and I've not see much beyond a big target man putting his weight about as you'd rightly expect him to and linking play to the bare minimum level.

Now don't get me wrong, I've got no problems with him being in the side as long as the team is performing - if it works, who can complain. That said I'd be interested to see Carlton Cole start a few games - as the only real like for like replacement - just as an experiment to see whether I'm being harsh on poor Emile.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=36391.msg961540#msg961540 date=1255387474]
Maybe I lack a fundamental appreciation for the game or my bias against him is blinding me to all the good work he's been doing, but honestly, I've tried my best over the last few games and I've not see much beyond a big target man putting his weight about as you'd rightly expect him to and linking play to the bare minimum level.

Now don't get me wrong, I've got no problems with him being in the side as long as the team is performing - if it works, who can complain. That said I'd be interested to see Carlton Cole start a few games - as the only real like for like replacement - just as an experiment to see whether I'm being harsh on poor Emile.
[/quote]

As I said, his last few games haven't been great, but he was really really good prior to that, and I think Capello will stick with it. It's rudimentary tactics and positioning, but England needed someone like him to just stand there and be an outlet when required, to be able to run into the channels, and to occupy a central defender or two. I know you know it Ken, but it's the main reason why, despite all their goals, Defoe and Bent won't be first choice strikers, because they dn't provide that option. England, for whatever reason, play better with Heskey alongside Rooney.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

John Terry 54 games and 6 goals.

Emile Heskey 57 games and 7 goals.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961553#msg961553 date=1255389116]
John Terry 54 games and 6 goals.

Emile Heskey 57 games and 7 goals.


[/quote]

What's your point, Heskey doesn't score goals? We've been through that. Owen and Rooney both scored more for England when Heskey was alongside them. Please don't illustrate your ignorance by shoe-horning in gammy stats.

 

[keniget]

In fairness, neither Bent nor Defoe have ever been given a run of games like Heskey has, but yeah, I know what you mean. That's why I mentioned Carlton Cole as the only real alternative to Heskey.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=36391.msg961557#msg961557 date=1255389594]
In fairness, neither Bent nor Defoe have ever been given a run of games like Heskey has, but yeah, I know what you mean. That's why I mentioned Carlton Cole as the only real alternative to Heskey.
[/quote]

Yeah, Cole's a viable option. If he can keep fit, and playing regularly he could get to the World Cup ahead of Crouch. I think Capello rates him too.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=36391.msg961555#msg961555 date=1255389449]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961553#msg961553 date=1255389116]
John Terry 54 games and 6 goals.

Emile Heskey 57 games and 7 goals.


[/quote]

What's your point, Heskey doesn't score goals? We've been through that. Owen and Rooney both scored more for England when Heskey was alongside them. Please don't illustrate your ignorance by shoe-horning in gammy stats.
[/quote]

Actually i didn't really have a point to make, i saw that stat on SSN's today and thought i'd share.

I hope that's ok with you Ryan?

 

[franklyfrank]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961553#msg961553 date=1255389116]
John Terry 54 games and 6 goals.

Emile Heskey 57 games and 7 goals.


[/quote]

Yes but Emile brings others into play. Holds it up and shit.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961559#msg961559 date=1255389889]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=36391.msg961555#msg961555 date=1255389449]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961553#msg961553 date=1255389116]
John Terry 54 games and 6 goals.

Emile Heskey 57 games and 7 goals.


[/quote]

What's your point, Heskey doesn't score goals? We've been through that. Owen and Rooney both scored more for England when Heskey was alongside them. Please don't illustrate your ignorance by shoe-horning in gammy stats.
[/quote]

Actually i didn't really have a point to make, i saw that stat on SSN's today and thought i'd share.

I hope that's ok with you Ryan?
[/quote]

Soz Rafa.

 

[Mistadobalina]

Heskey will be at Anfield come January then. It feels like it is his destiny to return, like a shitty penny.

I fear his lack of heart and I believe he is weak minded, weak willed.

Its 1917, crunch time, the general is about to blow his whistle to go over the top...would you want him next to you in the trenches? he would feign injury, shoot himself in the foot, stick 2 pencils up his nose, or put on a dress like corporal Klinger.

Its a bad analogy i mixed up blackadder and MASH.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=36391.msg961562#msg961562 date=1255390119]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961559#msg961559 date=1255389889]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=36391.msg961555#msg961555 date=1255389449]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=36391.msg961553#msg961553 date=1255389116]
John Terry 54 games and 6 goals.

Emile Heskey 57 games and 7 goals.


[/quote]

What's your point, Heskey doesn't score goals? We've been through that. Owen and Rooney both scored more for England when Heskey was alongside them. Please don't illustrate your ignorance by shoe-horning in gammy stats.
[/quote]

Actually i didn't really have a point to make, i saw that stat on SSN's today and thought i'd share.

I hope that's ok with you Ryan?
[/quote]

Soz Rafa.
[/quote]

No worries.

For what it's worth, i was one of the few on here that wanted him back on a freebie.

 

[Rosco]

[quote author=Mistadobalina link=topic=36391.msg961571#msg961571 date=1255392975]
Heskey will be at Anfield come January then. It feels like it is his destiny to return, like a shitty penny.

I fear his lack of heart and I believe he is weak minded, weak willed.

Its 1917, crunch time, the general is about to blow his whistle to go over the top...would you want him next to you in the trenches? he would feign injury, shoot himself in the foot, stick 2 pencils up his nose, or put on a dress like corporal Klinger.

Its a bad analogy i mixed up blackadder and MASH.
[/quote]

This is in the Daily Star today according to SSN (not the bad analogy)

 

[TheBunnyman]

The fact that Heskey wants regular first-team football above everything else means he definitely won't sign for us, thankfully. More likely someone like Hull or Portsmouth on a six-month loan deal, if MON lets him leave (which I doubt).

As for England, it's true that he's had a few good games for them but really, I think Rafa4PM's stat sums him up. He has a worse goalscoring record than a fucking centre-back FFS! I don't really see why England need someone to 'hold the ball up' anyway. With Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard in attacking midfield positions, they've got the ability to pass the ball forward and bide their time before releasing a fast goalscorer in the Bent/Defoe mould. Any team with Heskey as a lone striker is pretty much bound to be a blunt implement.

 

[Bradley]

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=36391.msg961633#msg961633 date=1255418336]
The fact that Heskey wants regular first-team football above everything else means he definitely won't sign for us, thankfully. More likely someone like Hull or Portsmouth on a six-month loan deal, if MON lets him leave (which I doubt).

As for England, it's true that he's had a few good games for them but really, I think Rafa4PM's stat sums him up. He has a worse goalscoring record than a fucking centre-back FFS! I don't really see why England need someone to 'hold the ball up' anyway. With Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard in attacking midfield positions, they've got the ability to pass the ball forward and bide their time before releasing a fast goalscorer in the Bent/Defoe mould. Any team with Heskey as a lone striker is pretty much bound to be a blunt implement.

[/quote]

I reckon he would jump at the chance to come back, the first team thing wouldn't be an issue. At Villa he is third choice, if he came back to Liverpool he would be second choice with European football and the guy ahead of him is prone to the odd injury.