STEVE Fletcher believes Cherries’ returning hero Brett Pitman can be “a force to be reckoned with” in League One.

Pitman rejoined Cherries on loan from Bristol City seven days ago and continued from where he had left off by netting a dramatic late equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bury.

The 24-year-old, who had hit a hat-trick against Peterborough in his final game of his first spell in August 2010, partnered Fletcher during one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.

Paired together following Fletcher’s return from Crawley in January 2009, the strikers led from the front as Cherries preserved their Football League status and then claimed a famous promotion.

Pitman bagged 13 of his 19 goals when playing alongside Fletcher in 2008-09 before netting 26 times as Cherries claimed the runners-up spot in League Two the following season.

Fletcher, who missed just one game during the memorable 16-month spell, told the Daily Echo: “He was one of the reasons we stayed up and one of the major reasons we got promoted. He was prolific and deservedly got his move to Bristol City.

“He almost went to the Premier League with Blackpool before the move broke down at the last minute. A lot has happened to him since he went to Bristol City. He has become a dad and I never thought I would see the day when Brett became a responsible father!

“We know what Brett is about – he is a goal machine, end of.

“He added more to his game in his final couple of years here and has probably learned a good deal more being around better players and playing against better defenders in the Championship.

“I know he hasn’t been involved at Bristol City too much this season and he has got the desire to play games. Like me, this club holds a special place in his heart. He needs to be playing and, if you were to ask him, I am sure he would say there is no place he would rather be than here.”

Fletcher, who looked on from the dugout as Pitman’s clinical finish earned Cherries a share of the points at Gigg Lane, added: “He isn’t 100 per cent guaranteed to get a starting berth and will have to fight for his place.

“He is a top striker but we have got quite a few strikers here so he will be keeping some good company.

“He has already shown he hasn’t forgotten where the back of net is and, once he gets into the grove, he will be a force to be reckoned with in this division.

“It will not have been an easy decision for Brett and he probably would not have wanted to drop out of the Championship if he could have helped it. He has looked at it and wants to be playing regularly. That shows ambition to me.”