Collymore's role in Heskey move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool's Emile Heskey has revealed that Stan Collymore persuaded him to join Gérard Houllier's Anfield revolution. The England striker believes Anfield fans have Collymore, who left Liverpool under a cloud three years ago having fallen out with team-mates and then manager Roy Evans, to thank for his £11m move last March.
Liverpool's Emile Heskey has revealed that Stan Collymore persuaded him to join Gérard Houllier's Anfield revolution. The England striker believes Anfield fans have Collymore, who left Liverpool under a cloud three years ago having fallen out with team-mates and then manager Roy Evans, to thank for his £11m move last March.
After joining Aston Villa, Collymore is reputed to have coined the "Spice Boys" jibe that has since dogged Liverpool. But when Heskey's transfer talks were reaching a climax, Collymore was playing alongside him in Leicester's attack and offered the advice he should join Liverpool. "I spoke to Stan just before I came to Liverpool and he only had good things to say, so it made it a lot easier to decide," said Heskey.
Houllier, who celebrates two years in control at Anfield tomorrow when Liverpool face Coventry, is clearly delighted with his acquisition. Heskey has now settled at Anfield and scored his seventh goal in seven games on Thursday in the Czech Republic, where Liverpool reached the last 32 of the Uefa Cup with a 4-2 aggregate win against Slovan Liberec. "There was a lot said about the money I cost when I first arrived," Heskey said, "but I don't listen to things like that. Hopefully, I can keep on performing as I have been recently."
Heskey, one of six Liverpool players called up by England for Wednesday's friendly in Italy, is looking forward to working with Peter Taylor, his coach at Under-21 level. "I learned a lot with him. One to one with players, he's excellent and talks to you an awful lot."
Heskey can expect to start in his more familiar central attacking job, rather than the wide role he had in Finland. He said: "I was very surprised when I was asked to play as a left winger," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments