Latics has been used as a ‘stepping stone’ for many a player, but invariably leaving us tends to result in bad news for players, Emile Heskey is just the latest in a long line.

Emile Heskey has announced that he could be looking for another club come January, citing the lack of chances as hindering his performances and also his chances of a World Cup Finals place in South Africa next year (I am not one to say I told you so, just read what I put when you left though).

After signing for Latics from Birmingham back in the summer of 2006 Emile couldn’t have thought in a million years that he would be fighting for a place in the England team. But with a team built the around the strikers strengths both Latics and the big man achieved some great things.

The biggest plus for the player was that he was put on show in front of the England manager week in and week out. This exposure reaped its rewards as he was picked for the national side and has featured since.

After half a season at Villa Park, appearances are few and far between and the player is slowly losing all the match fitness he gained and was guaranteed at Latics. Bruno is now in serious danger of losing his place at both Club and Country level and is now evaluating his next move, one that could see him change clubs in January.

Some other players not moving on to better things in recent times include:
Jason Roberts went to Blackburn instead of signing an improved contract at Latics (even if it wasn’t for the right length) and has subsequently done very little since.
Nathan Ellington thought (or his agent did) that WBA was a miles better option, did nowt in fact probably ended his career.
Pascal Chimbonda famously handed in his transfer request straight after the final game at Arsenal, he went to Spurs, did nowt. He then got his dream move to Sunderland and did nowt. He then got his other dream move – back to Spurs… and has done nowt.
Jimmy Bullard went to Fulham to be nearer to his family (or was it the extra cash) and got injured. He got himself fit and earned a move to that massive Club that he always wanted to play for (and of course a huge pay increase) erm… Hull City. Got injured virtually straight away and has done nowt.
Lee McCulloch got his dream move to Rangers and well has arguably done nowt, isn’t picked and has lost his place in the Scotland squad (ever present when at Latics).
Ryan Taylor, was he pushed – did he push??? Either way he went to Newcastle (the only team he ever scored against) and has done nowt.
Michael Brown has gone off to Portsmouth who are surely going to be involved in a relegation battle this year.
Louis Antonio Valencia, the jury is out as he tries his best to get to grips with United’s style.
Lee Cattermole, it is early days but at best he has made a side was move, with his style of play he could have done brilliantly this season at the DW Stadium… only time will tell

Players that possibly have done better after moving from Latics???
Wilson Palacios – a player that should go on and be at a better club than Spurs. But has done OK in London.
De Zeeuw had a good stint at Pompey before coming home.
Leighton Baines, after a rocky start is now settled in the mix at Everton. Hopefully one day he will make it to the England squad.

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