EMILE Heskey will take his first step towards coaching with Wanderers next season.

The former England striker aims to extend his playing career by 12 months at the Macron Stadium, with a new contract all-but signed.

But he also has one eye on the future and has been offered the use of Wanderers’ facilities next season to take a first step on a potential ladder to management.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed his time with the Whites so far and has become a role model behind the scenes for the younger players at the club.

And he is now looking to pass on that experience even further by starting on the FA-backed coaching scheme next season.

“I haven’t got coaching badges at this time but it is something I’m probably going to do next year, during the season,” he told The Bolton News.

“You can do it in the afternoons, in training, and it’s good to do it while you’re actually playing because you have all the facilities.

"You don’t need to find 15 kids to put on a session – they’re already there for you.”

After leaving Australia last summer Heskey waited patiently for an offer in England, which came along soon after his former Leicester City team-mates Neil Lennon and Gary Parker were installed at Bolton.

He earned high praise from the coaching staff for his impact on the field, making 18 appearances for the Whites and scoring on his debut against Blackburn Rovers.

Now he is looking to learn more from Lennon and Parker in the coming months as he considers life in the dugout.

“I’m here at Bolton to play but I might as well use the expertise and the people I’ve got around me,” he said.

“The gaffer has been great and I know Parks (Gary Parker) from playing alongside him and he’s the kind of person who could help me make that next step.

“Coaching might be something I look into doing somewhere down the line so I’ll use my time next season wisely.”

Although Heskey claims his intention was always to try to earn a deal back home after his Australian adventure ended 12 months ago, the 38-year-old is delighted with how his time at Wanderers has panned out so far.

"I've had a great time," he said. "The fans have been terrific with me, so have the players.

"Things haven't always gone according to plan on the pitch but hopefully now the gaffer with be able to go away, re-jig things in the squad and make sure we come back and have a more successful time next year.

"He will want improvement. I guarantee that."