Wigan Athletic Football Club

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

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25000

Latics expecting Heskey stay

15 Jan 2009 - 07:25:10

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Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey looks set to remain with the club for the rest of the season, despite being linked with a January move away from the JJB Stadium.

The 31-year-old England international has been linked with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Spurs in recent times, with his current Latics contract due to run out next summer.

However, Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer believes that Heskey will stay put for the time being, telling the club's official website: "I think Emile has been fantastic for us.

"When we bought him from Birmingham people thought we were mad, but he has been an absolute gem for us and has done well for himself.

"He is a fantastic pro and we would be sorry to lose him in the summer if he goes.

"But he is enjoying his time at Wigan and has told us he was staying with us until the summer, that he was seeing out his contract.

"He is 31, so if he gets his final move we would wish him all the best. It has worked both ways with loyalty on both sides."

That stance was repeated by club chairman Dave Whelan, who told Sky Sports News: "Let me say this, we hope he's going to remain a Wigan player. We don't want to sell any one of our players if we can help it.

"Emile is back playing for England and that shouldn't be disturbed.

"He's playing for Wigan every single week, if he goes to a big club he might be on the pitch twice a fortnight or once a fortnight. That's not enough for England."