Emile Heskey touches down

Around 50 loyal Newcastle Jets fans made the long trip down the F3 this morning to greet their new superstar.

Former England and Liverpool striker Emile Heskey was greeted warmly by fans and a strong media contingent, despite the early 6am arrival time.

The Heskey family were greeted by Jets CEO Robbie Middleby and Captain Michael Bridges at the gate before heading over and meeting some of the fans.

Heskey then headed over to have a talk with the media and assured everyone that, after regaining some match fitness, he will be more than ready for the next chapter in his career.

“Honestly, I’ve only had 45 minutes in a training game so I’ll need some games but I’ll soon get it into place”, said Heskey.

The striker said it was Robbie Middleton’s recent trip to England that sealed the deal for him.

A die hard supporter waits for Heskey's arrival

“Robbie came over to see me, he took that long flight to see me and sell the club to me. It was nice, it was a really nice gesture and I felt it would be a nice gesture to come over (to Australia) and actually start playing”

“I’m going to take it game by game and see how it goes. I want to do really well and hit the ground running.”

PLAY THE FOOTBALL SACK'S EMILE HESKEY GAME

Heskey said he had his eye firmly on a title run.

“Wherever I’ve gone I’ve tried to win silverware, it’s something I have always wanted to do.”

Heskey reiterated his desire for the game and for success.

“My enthusiasm will never stop. It’s a new country, it’s a new innings, it’s a new beginning”

“I have always told myself, if I wasn’t going to be in the premier league I was going to play abroad.”

“I’ve always wanted to play abroad, to be fair Australia wasn’t my first destination when I was younger but it’s a nice destination and it’s an up and coming football nation.”

An arrival of a striker with 117 Premier League goals and multiple World Cup appearances for England to our shores would usually bring the football community to a standstill, but a certain Italian plus talk of Ballack and Ono has left Heskey’s entrance somewhat subdued.

Some would argue this is a perfect scenario for a hugely talented player who has constantly battled expectation.
 

Heskey and Jets Captain Michael Bridges

Earlier this week Jets Captain Michael Bridges agreed with this sentiment, noting that while Del Piero is a Beckham style gate-turner, Heskey will be the real on field superstar this season.

"Del Piero off the field is a priceless marketing commodity - the David Beckham of Italy. It's fantastic.

"But actually on the field for what he is going to give - I can see Emile giving the Jets a whole new dimension we haven't got and really take the A-League by storm.”