STEVE Fletcher reflected on relinquishing his position in Cherries’ management set-up and then insisted he had plenty to offer on the pitch.

The club yesterday announced that Cherries’ record appearance-maker had reverted to his playing role after standing down as assistant boss.

Discussing the news in an emotional video interview posted on the club website, Fletcher said: “It was not an easy decision for me or the chairman.

“Eddie (Mitchell) has already said he would love me to stay at the club – staying at the club is the only thing I want, everybody knows that – and to see what may be available for me to do in a coaching role.

“Maybe, it could be something to do with the development squad if we get the facilities up and running here, or back involved with the first team – who knows? But for the foreseeable future, I will be going back into a player role.

“It is something that hasn’t just happened overnight. We all think it will be best for the team and, hopefully, for the club.”

The 39-year-old, who was not named in Cherries’ matchday squad on Saturday and made a late substitute appearance at Brentford on Tuesday, added: “I always feel I have got something to give – whether it is starting or coming off the bench and being a bit of a plan B and giving a different dimension to the team. As long as I feel I can do that, I will always want to play and be a part of the playing side of things.”