Heskey staying in Newcastle

Newcastle Jets striker Emile Heskey has announced that he will play for the club again next season at a club function on Tuesday night.

Newcastle Jets striker Emile Heskey has announced that he will play for the club again next season at a club function on Tuesday night.

The former England and Liverpool star scored nine goals in 23 A-League appearances for the Jets in what was a successful acquisition for coach Gary Van Egmond.

Speaking at the Newcastle Jets awards night, Heskey said: "Everything is agreed - I will be coming back next season."

The news was also confirmed by Newcastle CEO Troy Palmer via the club's Twitter account.

Heskey was nominated for the Jets' player of the year award along with captain Ruben Zadkovich and goalkeeper Mark Birighitti, who took out the award.

Birighitti found himself behind Eugene Galekovic at former club Adelaide last season but enjoyed a consistent first season in the Hunter Valley.

"I feel very privileged and honoured to win this award," Birighitti said

"Thank you to Gary (Van Egmond) and the coaches for believing in me."

Andrew Hoole took out the best youth player award while Hannah Brewer won the club's W-League player of the season.