Alright, let’s break down how I tackled this question about Emile Heskey’s next move. Heard folks wondering online, figured I’d walk you through my own digging process.
Started simple: searched online for “Emile Heskey after football”. Saw tons about his playing career, Leicester glory days, that famous miss… but zip on what happened after he hung up his boots. Realized I needed to shift gears.
Hitting Dead Ends & Thinking Different
First thought was player agencies. Knew lots of players join agencies as agents or advisors post-career. Searched agency websites, LinkedIn profiles of agents. Found nothing linking him to those roles. Felt a bit stuck. Maybe that wasn’t it.
Then remembered he’d done coaching badges. Searched “Emile Heskey coaching”. Pulled up old news bits – he coached Leicester City U18s briefly! That was a gig, but clearly temporary. What came next? Got me thinking about skills beyond tactics.
The Media Tracks
Knew he popped up on BBC punditry sometimes. Dug into TV stuff – Sky Sports features, BT Sport appearances. Piecemeal work, sure, but he was building a profile. But punditry isn’t a full-time job usually. So how was he making a steady living?
Pushed deeper into media. Found his name linked to podcasts, like “One Touch” football show. Kept searching. Then, bam! Saw mentions of him joining TalkSport radio regularly. Not just guest spots – a proper gig on their daytime shows. That seemed more solid. Was this the main thing?
Beyond the Mic & Unexpected Angles
Saw a random headline: “Emile Heskey Ambassador Role.” Checked it out. Turned out he’d been an ambassador for the PFSC (Professional Football Scouts Association), helping young scouts! Didn’t see that coming. Also stumbled on him supporting non-league club Hinckley LRFC near his roots, getting involved locally.
Then it clicked: the guy wasn’t doing just one job. His “next job” was actually building a portfolio career. So how did he actually get there?
- Used his network: Obvious, right? But crucial. Leveraged connections from his huge playing career. Old teammates, club contacts in media and business. Probably had chats over coffee.
- Started small and visible: Took the U18 coaching job at his club. Did punditry slots anywhere that asked, even small local radio at first. Got his face and voice out there.
- Built on his brand: People remembered Emile Heskey. That name carried weight. He leaned into the “strong, honest, grounded ex-player” image on air. Became reliable and relatable.
- Diversified: Didn’t put all eggs in one basket. Media gigs (TV, radio, podcasts), ambassador roles using his experience, local club involvement for passion.
- Stayed active: Didn’t just disappear. Kept showing up at events, charity games, football discussions. Stayed relevant in the football world.
He never found one single “next job” like a regular office gig. He built a patchwork based on his reputation, skills (communication!), connections, and willingness to start from the bottom again in new areas like broadcasting. Took initiative, chatted to people, took small chances, and gradually pieced it together over years. Simple? Nope. Messy? Probably. But it worked for him.
