Fletcher: I still have the heart and I want to play on

7:00am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author Exclusive By Ian Wadley

LEGEND: Steve Fletcher LEGEND: Steve Fletcher

CLUB legend Steve Fletcher accepts he has a diminishing playing role for Cherries but he has told the doubters: “I have still got the heart.”

Cherries’ record appearance-maker has indicated he wants to continue his distinguished career for as long as he can make a positive contribution.

The veteran targetman remains an influential figure at Dean Court and he has made nine substitute appearances during the current campaign.

Fletcher, whose contract expires this summer, admits he is aware some people have suggested that it could be time to hang up his boots.

However, the ex-Chesterfield and Crawley frontman says it would be heartbreaking to throw in the towel on his time in the red and black.

He told the Daily Echo: “I am not going to turn round and say I don’t want to play for AFC Bournemouth – that would break my heart. Just to be in and around the squad, I am happy with that at the moment.

“I know there are people out there saying ‘just retire Fletch’ but they are not in my position and don’t understand what it has been like for 24 years of being a professional.

“I know I am not quick but it is not as if I can’t move! I am not disgracing myself in training and, when I have come on a few times, I have done okay.

“I know it is only 10 minutes here or two minutes there but I have still got the heart, desire and drive to be a worthy part of this squad.

“I know my limitations and I know what my role at the club and in the squad is now, and I accept it. I will do everything right just for the one instance when Eddie might call on me. While I still think I can at least play that type of role, I want to keep going.”

Fletcher, involved in ambas sadorial work with Cherries, revealed he had discussed his future with chairman Eddie Mitchell and manager Howe.

He added: “I know I am 40 years of age and that I am only going to play 10, 15 or 20 minutes maximum here and there at this present time, but that is down to how good the squad is.

“Eddie has called on me on a few occasions and I have just got to make sure I am ready when he does.

“As for the future, we will wait and see.

Age is a big thing. For me, it is just a number but for other people looking on, I can understand they are going to turn round and say ‘he is old, he is 40 and coming up to 41’.

“But I haven’t changed that much in the past few years. I haven’t had much game-time but I do my running after the game, I do my running on a Tuesday and I do extra two or three times a week. I keep myself right.”

  • Cherries striker Jayden Stockley has extended his loan at Woking until the end of the season, the Conference club has confirmed.

The homegrown frontman has so far netted five goals during his time with the Kingfield Stadium outfit.

Writing on his Twitter feed, Stockley said Woking was a “great place to play football”.

Comments(47)

afcb-mark says...
7:21am Wed 6 Feb 13

Everyone knows your heart is in AFCB Fletch and I don't think anyone has suggested you are disgracing yourself, but unfortunately, nothing goes on forever.

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snake hips says...
7:34am Wed 6 Feb 13

Time to hang up those boots and join the coaching staff.. A legend at the club..

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Auzzi Cherry says...
7:35am Wed 6 Feb 13

Absolute Legend in my eyes. Grown up watching Big Fletch !

One of the few Loyal old school players !

UTCIAD

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abc100 says...
7:43am Wed 6 Feb 13

What a legend, surely he will have a job for life at AFCB, I can't imagine coming to the game and not singing super super fletch, suppose we will still be singing it in 20 years time

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DansAFCB says...
7:48am Wed 6 Feb 13

Give him at least another years contract for his loyalty so that he can play in Championship afterall he turned down that opportunity a few times over the years to play for mighty Cherries!

Supa Supa Fletch!

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jayeff says...
8:24am Wed 6 Feb 13

There comes a time when players have to move on the future of AFC Bournemouth is with younger players hopefully coming through the clubs youth academy

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wookj1 says...
8:33am Wed 6 Feb 13

You have had a good playing career Steve.You offer an option that we don't have elsewhere in the squad, and hopefully Eddie will address that by bringing in James Collins or Andrew Williams during the summer.
We do need to give some of the youngsters a place on the bench, if they are to have a chance of making the grade, and for the club ot keep progressing.

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Luffbracherry says...
9:04am Wed 6 Feb 13

I think that Fletcher still has a role to play this season. He retains his ability as target man to win the ball or hold play up and can create defensive uncertainty.
He should be used in situations where this tactic is required and certainly against Notts County who according to the local BBC commentator are frightened to death of big Steve Fletcher

In the meantime Eddie should be looking for his Steve's successor and Steve should start to plan what he wants to do next - but don't 'wait and see' Fletch - start planning NOW!

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cherrychris75 says...
9:10am Wed 6 Feb 13

Personally, if we go up I think the club should give him a 1 year contract. He's always said he wants to play in the championship with us, has turned the chance elsewhere in the past to do so. I think him being registered as a championship player with us would be the least we could do for the many years of loyalty he has shown.
Anyway, massive match Saturday. They've lost 8 on the bounce, we've lost once under Eddie in the league so lets just hope we are focussed and it doesnt turn uncomfortable. Premiership ref in Andre Marriner too so Harry watch your mouth!!
UTCIAD

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pokesdown1 says...
9:19am Wed 6 Feb 13

Not Marriner, please.

We`ve had it Saturday.

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devon fan says...
10:09am Wed 6 Feb 13

you will always be remembered as a Legend by the majority of the fans, stepping back comes to us all at some time, to do so at the end of the season would be a fitting end to a good career, do not spoil it Steve and leave people remembering a player who could not quite do what was required

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The Renegade Master says...
10:29am Wed 6 Feb 13

I'm afraid it's time to hang the boots up Fletch. I know it's difficult to accept, but there's no way Eddie is going to give you another contract when we hit the Championship. You've been a magnificent servant to this club and I'm sure there's a role for you behind the scenes.

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jontee says...
10:48am Wed 6 Feb 13

Fletch provides something we don't have from any other player as we now don't have any other targetmen, and no-one to lead the line.
.
He provides the ability to change the game and mix it up a bit. Just ask opposing defenders. They would rather he stayed on the bench at all times !
.
And we might just need to press gang him in as a central defender, a position where we could find ourselves threadbare.

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smhinto says...
10:52am Wed 6 Feb 13

If there is such a role, perhaps Fletch could be employed as a strikers coach.

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Brighton Beacher says...
11:05am Wed 6 Feb 13

Several thoughts on this subject but primarily it must be Eddie Howe's decision as to whether Steve is given another year as a player. Only he and Jason know Steve's worth to the rest of the squad whilst on the bench, the dressing room, the training ground and on the pitch.
Agree with Luffbracherry that Steve must start planning for the future NOW but let's (a) hope he is still around for a few years in some capacity and (b) he is happy and healthy in future years.

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Rabbacat says...
11:09am Wed 6 Feb 13

This story is very hard to read... I absolutely love Fletch. He IS the heart and soul of our club, no one would disagree with that. Eddie obviously thinks currently he has a part to play, otherwise he wouldn't be on the bench every week. And there's no doubting his heart, when he runs the touchline EVERYBODY wants a Super Fletch wave. Having said that, and with one very cautious eye on the prospect of us being a Championship side next season, is it fair/sensible/wastef
ul to have someone who can only give you 10 or 2 minutes here and there, when we could have someone who can give us 90 minutes of running the whole pitch? I honestly thought that this would be the last season for Supes, as he said he thought he had 'another year' in him, and I was really happy he'd had so many opportunities to take part since Eddie's return. I have been preparing myself for him to bow out gracefully, but now..... Agh, it's a tough one. I wouldn't like to be Eddie having to call time on that magnificent career, whenever it happens.

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Deejaycee says...
11:13am Wed 6 Feb 13

You'll definitely need smhinto's permission on this one.

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ianbthomson says...
11:52am Wed 6 Feb 13

smhinto wrote:
If there is such a role, perhaps Fletch could be employed as a strikers coach.
I agree with you that he should be kept on in some role as they are very few footballers which have shown so much loyalty to one club. A strikers coach could indeed be one of them

Unfortunately, his planning days might be finished but if possible it would be lovely to give him a couple of games next year in the Championship.

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In Absentia says...
12:33pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Fletch's popularity with fans and loyalty to AFCB is fantastic, but at this time every year, we get an appeal from him in the press for another contract. If we go up (and it's still a big if), then he really can't be carried in the squad any longer, time has caught up with him.

The club and the PFA really ought to be helping him towards what he does for the next 20 years of his working life and I'm sure we'd all want to wish him the very best in whatever he chooses to do. Playing full time pro fooball really isn't it any more, unless he suddenly becomes a great goalkeeper.

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RICHSKI says...
1:57pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Wheather or not Fletch can do a job in the Championship if we get there. I think Fletch should lead out the team in our first home game, even if we have to sub him early. Can you really see a Bournemouth fan against it. Bet there would be a few tears around the place too. We all know what it would mean to the big fella.

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coops1965 says...
2:41pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Fletch mate we F*****G love you.
You are an absolute prime example of integrity and loyalty to this club.
You are a decent person as well who lives right and is just a top bloke who always has time for supporters in and around the town.

I remember a good few years ago when you had your chance of a big move to QPR during your most prolific season with us and you stayed to do the job.

A true hero.

FEAR, US FEAR, FEAR US.
UTCIAD

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nonnogeppetto says...
2:48pm Wed 6 Feb 13

smhinto wrote:
If there is such a role, perhaps Fletch could be employed as a strikers coach.
SMHINTO it is only fair that you should be praised for your good post today after all we give you a lot of stick when we find your posts confusing!!

I agree that Fletch should be coaching in some shape or form.

Regards

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smhinto says...
3:21pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Deejaycee wrote:
You'll definitely need smhinto's permission on this one.
A silly quote from a silly person

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Piston_Broke says...
4:17pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Can't comment on the Steve Cook trial page, but for goodness sake, just how long can it take to reach a verdict?

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nonnogeppetto says...
4:28pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you

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Justin Otherfan says...
4:42pm Wed 6 Feb 13

smhinto wrote:
If there is such a role, perhaps Fletch could be employed as a strikers coach.
You will not get many arguments on that one. Good post. I think he could also be very good for the youth team as a coach / example. The only argument you might get is whether he can play on a bit longer or not. He can still influence a game by his presence in the box. He changes the style of game and maximises the airial attack even if only for short periods. A tough call and one I wouldn't like to have to make. I am sure EH will make the right choice when the time comes. He must have a reason for having him available on the bench.

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Deejaycee says...
4:49pm Wed 6 Feb 13

smhinto wrote:
Deejaycee wrote:
You'll definitely need smhinto's permission on this one.
A silly quote from a silly person
Pot calling the kettle black here.

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dc addict says...
6:29pm Wed 6 Feb 13

nonnogeppetto wrote:
Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you
Sorry to hear that mate. Don't know what else to say.

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Afcbpete says...
6:41pm Wed 6 Feb 13

dc addict wrote:
nonnogeppetto wrote:
Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you
Sorry to hear that mate. Don't know what else to say.
Nonno I can't say how sad I am right now. I don't have your faith, but my own thoughts involve praying for want of a better way of explaining it. So my thoughts are with your brother, your good self and your family...

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STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road says...
6:44pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Joke of the day surely has to be karl Robinson coming out and stating that MK are "the best team in the division, bar-none". FFS, next he will be telling us they are top of the fair-play league as well. DELUDED OR WHAT.

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Afcbpete says...
6:46pm Wed 6 Feb 13

STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road wrote:
Joke of the day surely has to be karl Robinson coming out and stating that MK are "the best team in the division, bar-none". FFS, next he will be telling us they are top of the fair-play league as well. DELUDED OR WHAT.
Awwwwww bless, he probably believes in Father Christmas as well...

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STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road says...
6:50pm Wed 6 Feb 13

nonnogeppetto wrote:
Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you
All the best for your brother nonno. We are all hoping he improves. UTCIAD

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raybren says...
6:51pm Wed 6 Feb 13

With seven subs Fletch only takes up
14% of total.
Think he's well worth another season,to
be reviewed anually up to pensionable
age!

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STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road says...
6:53pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Afcbpete wrote:
STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road wrote:
Joke of the day surely has to be karl Robinson coming out and stating that MK are "the best team in the division, bar-none". FFS, next he will be telling us they are top of the fair-play league as well. DELUDED OR WHAT.
Awwwwww bless, he probably believes in Father Christmas as well...
And the tooth- fairy.!!!!!!. LOL
Got my voice back after last saturday, ready for Pompey now. Bring it on.

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Afcbpete says...
7:07pm Wed 6 Feb 13

STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road wrote:
Afcbpete wrote:
STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road wrote:
Joke of the day surely has to be karl Robinson coming out and stating that MK are "the best team in the division, bar-none". FFS, next he will be telling us they are top of the fair-play league as well. DELUDED OR WHAT.
Awwwwww bless, he probably believes in Father Christmas as well...
And the tooth- fairy.!!!!!!. LOL
Got my voice back after last saturday, ready for Pompey now. Bring it on.
I'm at the opposite end of the Fletch Stand, but I'll probably hear you LOL...

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West moors 1 says...
7:41pm Wed 6 Feb 13

The harsh reality is that if we climb into the championship, then Fletcher cannot take up a valuable place on the bench. We have an army of coaching staff, Groves and co still on the payroll and the new management will have little interest in his loyalty. So perhaps there is a roll in the club somewhere for Fletcher, it must be very difficult for footballers coming to the end of their careers not knowing what the future holds.

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bigfatsteve says...
7:45pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Fletch, you have the physique that would enable you to convert into good sweeper. If you see Eddie Mitchell, he might sort you out. I hear Seven Developments need a good man on the brush. Only joking mate! My favourite goal last season was the equaliser scored at Walsall when Fletch came on as sub. Great cross from Francis and superb bullet header just inside the box.
When we are winning comfortably with 15/20 minutes to go. I always look at the clock and think
'Go on Eddie bring on the Big Man' just so we can see one more goal from the legend. Maybe it will be this Saturday, if we get a good first half lead. It would be great to see a Fletcher/Tubbs substitution for Grabban and Pitman. A good role at the club, would be to do as Eddie did. Do your coaching badges, management of the youth side and work your way up via the reserve team. If you still want to play 90 minutes. How about a month by month loan to Pompey on a guarantee you play. I still look forward though, to seeing you coming on this season and scoring one more goal. Good luck for the future in whatever you do.

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kayackie says...
8:39pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Loves the club of that there is no doubt!
As for his football ability... leaves a lot to be desired im afraid. cant waste money on another contract for someone who is not going to play!

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MB1980 says...
9:12pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Justin Otherfan wrote:
smhinto wrote:
If there is such a role, perhaps Fletch could be employed as a strikers coach.
You will not get many arguments on that one. Good post. I think he could also be very good for the youth team as a coach / example. The only argument you might get is whether he can play on a bit longer or not. He can still influence a game by his presence in the box. He changes the style of game and maximises the airial attack even if only for short periods. A tough call and one I wouldn't like to have to make. I am sure EH will make the right choice when the time comes. He must have a reason for having him available on the bench.
As much of a legend Fletch is, and I rated him as a player, at this level for us, I don't think 'strikers coach' is a role he'll be offered any time soon.

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Roband65 says...
9:28pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Give it up fletch your well past it now !

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fletch for manager says...
9:29pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Legend!! But time to hang up the boots at the end of this season,, a true professional and mr afcb

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oxoncherry says...
9:53pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Balls. Most fans thought Bondy was doing the right thing getting rid of Fletch and then he sailed back in and rescued our butts when we faced falling out of the league. For this and many other things the big Fella deserves a **** sight more respect than some of the carp written on here today.

Why does he need to retire? Has he lost pace? Never had any. Desire? No. Ability? Nope. So carry on Fletch here or anywhere else in the Football League where a manager has the sense to use your talents.

Many thanks from most of the AFCB support. Ignore the belters

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oxoncherry2 says...
7:39am Thu 7 Feb 13

youth team coach, please !

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elite50 says...
9:44am Thu 7 Feb 13

nonnogeppetto wrote:
Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you
All the talk about how important football is in the lives of people but when it counts its FAMILY first.
Via Con Dios!

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canfordcherry says...
8:19pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Pay Fletch coaching fees to do what he's doing on match days, talking to players while warming up, using his mass of experience, etc. and put him on a pay as you play contract for appearances, + bonus for goals & assists. How many other clubs have a coach that can be on the touch line next to a corner taker to pass on info. from Eddie?

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canfordcherry says...
8:23pm Thu 7 Feb 13

nonnogeppetto wrote:
Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you
Not some thing I would normally do, but have given it a go. Hope it helps.

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supermac says...
5:49pm Fri 8 Feb 13

nonnogeppetto wrote:
Would those of you with faith in the Good Lord please pray for my brother because news from Italy doesn’t sound too good I hoped that he live long enough to know that AFCB was promoted but bar a miracle he most probably will miss that event.

Very sorry for asking and I equally value friend who don't have a faith so please don't take it personally.

Thank you
Hi Nonno sorry to hear about your brothers health and just to say my prayers are for your brother,yourself and your family.God bless.

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