Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Bruce dreading Heskey exit

12 Sep 2008 - 09:39:18

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Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has admitted that he fears losing star striker Emile Heskey on a free transfer next summer.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has been linked with a number of other Premier League clubs after regaining his England spot in recent times.

Bruce told The Sun: "Emile has ten months to run on his contract and he is choosing to let it run down, which is his prerogative.

"But I don't want to lose him. We're building a decent side here and he is a big part of that.

"I haven't even thought about what might happen in January, I don't want to. But there's still hope."

Heskey's stock rose further in midweek as he played a leading role in England 4-1 victory in Croatia, with Bruce having always believed that his player had the class to return to the international arena.

He had earlier stated: "I've been saying it for years now that I think he's England's best striker of his type, a traditional centre-forward.

"By that I mean somebody who leads the line, is good in the air, holds the ball up, he's big, strong and powerful and he brings people into the game.

"He's the focal point of the team if you play to his strengths, which England did when we saw the best of Emile Heskey."