LEGEND Steve Fletcher could not hide his disappointment at coming out on the wrong end of a 5-3 defeat at Vitality Stadium on Sunday, admitting: “I hate losing.”

Fletcher took part in the My Tribute charity match, organised by Calum Best, with money raised for both Cherries Community Fund and the National Association of Children of Alcoholics.

The 50-year-old played the full 90 minutes at centre-back, with fellow former Cherries Shaun MacDonald and Brett Pitman also part of the starting XI, the latter scoring twice.

Against them were three more Cherries heroes in Simon Francis, Tommy Elphick and Jimmy Glass.

The rest of the teams, managed by Harry Redknapp and Ian Holloway, featured a host of celebrities from YouTube stars to EastEnders stalwarts Dean Gaffney and Jake Wood.

Football freestyler Jeremy Lynch, Love Island’s Billy Brown and X Factor winner Sam Bailey were all on the scoresheet, in a game which at one point saw 14 players on the field for Holloway’s side.

There was also in-game interviews as well as music being played over the speakers whilst the match was going on.

And despite the unconventional circumstances of the game, Fletcher was still upset at the result.

Asked what it was like being back out in front of the fans at Vitality Stadium, Fletcher, who made more than 800 competitive appearances for Cherries, said: “That part of it was great. The horrible part was losing. I hate losing.

“I’ve still got my competitive edge when I play five-a-side with my friends during the week, or I’m out there training with the first team boys and I’m joining in or I’m playing in charity games.

“I still don’t like losing. I know it’s all for wonderful causes, but on a personal level, I’m absolutely devastated we lost!”

He added: “I can’t help it. I didn’t go out (on Saturday night) and have a drink and I was in the gym all week, I’ve been eating well, just so I could come out and not embarrass myself at the age of 50.

“And I didn’t think I did. I had a 100 per cent pass record, although I didn’t really hit any long passes!

“But the day was fantastic. It was nice to see so many people here come out and support the charities. Calum Best’s charity and obviously our AFC Bournemouth Community Trust, and that’s the most important thing.”

Discussing his role at centre-back, Fletcher added: “I just thought when I retired nine years ago at the age of 41, I couldn’t run around up top chasing balls and running in channels.

“So I thought if I could play at the back. Probably technically now I’m better than I was when I was a player, because coaching does that to you.

“I wish I’d done coaching when I was in my 20s, because it makes you a better technical player.

“I just obviously haven’t got the legs any more. But I’m okay on the ball, probably better than I ever was. Just giving it to Brett and Brett did the rest!”