Gold backs Bruce to get best out of Heskey

BIRMINGHAM chairman David Gold has backed manager Steve Bruce to get the very best out of the club’s new record signing Emile Heskey.

The England striker agreed a stg£6.25m move from Liverpool yesterday, signing a deal which will keep him at St Andrews until 2009.

Despite being a regular member of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first-choice England team, he is often criticised for failing to score enough goals or to use his powerfully-built frame to good attacking effect.

However, Gold believes Bruce has the man-management skills to finally and consistently help Heskey fulfil the potential he first demonstrated at Leicester.

“What’s important here is that Steve Bruce is the man who will bring out the very best in Emile,” Gold said.

“When you play him in a bit-part role, or out on the left, and not as an out-and-out-striker, you’re bringing problems on yourself.

“I’m sure Emile will be thrilled to be at Birmingham City Football Club with Steve Bruce, playing the role that he really wants to play.”

The move had been mooted for several days but the paperwork of what is effectively a pre-contract deal was finally completed yesterday morning and the England striker will officially join the St Andrews payroll on July 1.

Heskey is the first new player to be brought in as manager Steve Bruce prepares for next season, although released Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet is another expected to sign for City.

Bruce was delighted to have signed an international striker to bolster the forward line alongside Forssell, who has agreed to extend his loan spell from Chelsea for another season.

Heskey, who flew out to New York yesterday for a short break before joining up with the England squad, said he was looking forward to getting back among the goals.

Gold said he believed the signing of Heskey was a statement of intent by Birmingham City.