Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fletch biding his time for a start role
CHERRIES' newly-appointed club captain Steve Fletcher has reassured fans that his body is still very much up to the task this season and beyond.[LNB] The popular frontman, who was this week handed the ambassadorial role by boss Eddie Howe in a new year captaincy shake-up, has seen his starting opportunities limited in recent weeks.[LNB] With Alan Connell and Jeff Goulding given the chance to impress alongside star striker Brett Pitman, Fletcher has had to be patient.[LNB] Despite featuring on an impressive 26 occasions this term, Fletcher's 60-minute substitute appearance against Northampton last weekend was his 10th off the bench in the past 11 matches.[LNB] However, the influential 37-year-old insists he is fit and healthy, and ready for the challenge of starting when selected.[LNB] Cherries' record appearance-maker told the Echo: I always hear things and read things that Fletch can't start', but I'm fit to start.[LNB] I've been coming on for 45 minutes on a few occasions and it's just one of those things. Eddie wants to play a certain system and unfortunately if I have to be left out, then I have to be left out.[LNB] But I understand and he talks to me about it.[LNB] I've got to bide my time and when I get a chance I've got to take it, the same as everybody else.[LNB] Nobody in our squad has got a guaranteed spot and I think that's a good thing.[LNB] But fitness wise, I'm as fit as I've been. Everyone gets little injuries, but my back problem last week was the first little injury I've had since I missed a couple of games earlier in the season with my hamstring.[LNB] It's half way through the season and I feel just as good as I did at the beginning of the season, last season and a few seasons before that.[LNB] While he is hoping to continue his illustrious career for at least another campaign after this one, Fletcher's primary focus remains on helping Cherries secure promotion this season.[LNB] He said: While things are okay and I feel okay myself, then you've got to have an eye on it.[LNB] But the most important thing at the moment is us staying in the top three.[LNB] Fletcher, who described being appointed club captain as a great honour, added: I want to play as long as I can, if I didn't, at 37, I'd have retired way before now.[LNB] I don't think I've changed much over the years and I want to keep playing. I've got as much passion to play now as I've ever had.[LNB] Meanwhile, chairman Eddie Mitchell yesterday dismissed speculation linking Brett Pitman with Cardiff City after internet rumours had suggested that the Championship club were poised to move for Cherries' top scorer.[LNB]
