In this week’s edition of Jets Insider, Emile Heskey is in the hot seat answering questions submitted by the public.
In this week-s edition of Jets Insider, marquee striker Emile Heskey is in the hot seat answering questions submitted by the Club-s Members and supporters.
Heskey opens up about topics including what it was like playing for England in two World Cups, how he is settling into Newcastle and whether he-d consider staying at the Jets beyond this season.
Rhys Walsh asks via email: You played in some big derby matches back in England, are you looking forward to your first experience of the F3 Derby against the Mariners this weekend?
Emile Heskey: I-m definitely looking forward to it. Derbies are always massive games and they-re always fierce so it should be a good experience. Hopefully we can get the win for our fans at home.
@Lukejbyrne asks via Twitter: Who are the best strikers you have played with at international level?
EH: Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Defoe. They-re all quality strikers who score a lot of goals.
@moorzy_96 asks via Twitter: One of the greatest players to grace the pitch, what was it like to play in your first World Cup?
EH: It was fantastic to be honest. I was 24 at the time and it was a great experience. Growing up as a child, it-s every footballer-s dream to play in a World Cup.
You always want to put yourself up against the best and the World Cup is definitely the best tournament in the world. I was fortunate enough to play in two World Cups and I-m very grateful for that opportunity.
@MrGlass23 asks via Twitter: Emile, how are you finding life in Newcastle/Australia so far, and can you see yourself staying at the Jets beyond this season?
EH: It-s been great being in Newcastle so far, the weather has been challenging at times but it-s actually been really good.
Obviously I-ll take it day by day and see how the manager sees me fitting in and if he wants me for next season and obviously the owners as well.
@prideofthepack asks via Twitter: What does Emile like most so far about living in Newcastle?
EH: Just the relaxed atmosphere and the way that everything is just laid back. My parents are from the Caribbean so it-s quite a similar attitude to that.
@Crackers76 asks via Twitter: How did it feel to get on the score sheet with your first goal?
EH: It felt great. It was really good to get off the mark, but the main thing was getting the three points and getting our season going as a team.
@GaryFishNewy asks via Twitter: 1) Is Goodwin the best blonde-haired lanky kid you’ve seen? 2 )Newy spring/summer – English winter, what’s best?
EH: He-s a great prospect. Obviously he-s only a young lad, but nothing fazes him really. He went out there against Sydney and showed what he-s capable of doing. The more and more he can do that on a consistent basis the better it-ll be for himself and the Club.
And I-d have to say so far the Newcastle spring. It-s nice to see a bit of sunshine.
@JasperS08 asks via Twitter: Emile, what made you choose the Newcastle Jets, and how has life in Australia been so far for you?
EH: Obviously it helped having the CEO come over to England to explain everything about the Club to me. It-s a close-knit family-run Club and that-s one of the main reasons why I wanted to come to Newcastle.
It was also nice having Michael Bridges here as someone that I already knew.
Ian Dunlop asks via email: In the first game you were very isolated in attack with no teammate near you. At Liverpool you were used to playing with Owen very close to you and running off you. Would you like to see a classic number 10 role employed to run off you or are you happy with two wide strikers a long way from you and no-one playing in the hole behind and getting mostly long ball delivery as we saw in the first game?
EH: As a player, you have to be able to adapt to any formation your team uses. Football is about adapting, playing in different formations and playing in different positions.
I-ve played on the left, the right, centrally and even at the back, so whatever position or role I-m used in I think I can adapt to.
Rick Tapper asks via email: What is the best footballing memory from your illustrious career?
EH: England-s 5-1 win over Germany in a qualifying match for the 2002 World Cup. To beat Germany in Munich by that margin was a big result for us and I scored a goal as well, which was a nice way to cap it off.
@Buddha14 asks via Twitter: Emile, just how quick is Gabby Agbonlahor in the flesh? I’ve seen him on TV, but seeing him live would be unreal.
EH: Extremely quick. His pace is definitely a big asset for him and makes it tough for defenders to contain him.
@phhilchhow asks via Twitter: Hey Emile, I hope Newcastle is treating you well. Just wondering if you had any must sees in England? I head over this winter.
EH: It depends on who-s playing during the time you-re over there, but I-d say the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool versus Man United and get an England game in there as well if you can.
@Lukejohns12 asks via email: Do you remember being on the Rod Hull and Emu show back in the UK when you were a kid?
EH: (Laughs) Yeah I do. The funny thing is that Bridgey gives me a bit of flack for being on the show and laughs about it, but I said to him that back then that was the biggest show for kids on television. You were either on it, or you were watching it! I was on it, so I was one of the lucky ones.
For next week-s Jets Insider interview, Jets goalkeeper Mark Birighitti will answer YOUR questions. Simply tweet your question using the #JetsInsider hashtag or send your question to communications@huntersportsgroup.com by COB Wednesday. Then check back in Jets Insider next week to see if your question is answered.
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