Heskey joined Villa from Wigan Athletic in 2009. -Photo by AP

LONDON: Former England striker Emile Heskey has been released by Aston Villa, bringing to an end his three-and-a-half-year stay at the club.    

The 34-year-old, who managed just one goal in 29 appearances for the Midlands club this season, joined Villa from Wigan Athletic in 2009 after spells at Liverpool and Birmingham City.

Defender Carlos Cuellar and reserve goalkeeper Brad Guzan have also been released as Villa begin the task of re-modelling a squad that narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League this season.

The club is currently looking for a new manager after Alex McLeish was sacked after one season in charge.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...