Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fletch says Pitman can be league's best
CHERRIES legend Steve Fletcher believes Brett Pitman has the potential to be one of League Twos star performers if he continues to maximise his undoubted talent.[LNB] The mercurial forward lit up Gigg Lane with a sparkling display as Cherries began their season with a dream 3-0 victory over much-fancied Bury on Saturday.[LNB] All that is good about the 21-year-olds game was in evidence as he produced an inspired moment to give Cherries the lead before providing a pinpoint cross for a second goal which killed the clash as a contest.[LNB] Strike partner Fletcher had the best view in the house to witness Pitmans delightful opening strike and he said: Theres not many players who can do that.[LNB] Usually players have to get it out of their feet but Brett turned on a sixpence and out of nothing he just whipped the ball and the keeper didnt really sniff it. What a start it was for us.[LNB] If he can get the other side of his game going we all know what I mean he could be one of the best players in the division because hes got every ability as a goalscorer you could want.[LNB] But despite his many gifts, Pitman has often come under fire from sections of the Dean Court faithful.[LNB] And Fletcher stressed the need for his fellow frontman to maintain his levels of performance on a regular basis.[LNB] He told the Echo: Hes got to be on his game and Brett knows that. Hes got to be at it 100 per cent.[LNB] Bretts not the type of player who can mentally slack off and things will happen for him. Now and then it might do but the majority of the time it wont.[LNB] Hes got to be mentally prepared and then he can produce things like he showed on Saturday, which not many players in the division can do.[LNB] You probably get one or two players and hes up there.[LNB] Fletcher believes that Pitman, who signed a new three-year contract with Cherries on the eve of the new campaign, can play at a higher level.[LNB] The stuff he does on the pitch like on Saturday you cant teach that, said the veteran targetman.[LNB] Ive never done that in my career and he can do things that the majority of players in both lower leagues cant do.[LNB] If he can stay focused and do the little things in his game which Im sure he will with the help of Jason (Tindall), Eddie and players talking around him and me playing up front with him.[LNB] Its not so much that the world is his oyster but hes got a massive chance to jump up a couple of divisions and be playing at a much higher level.[LNB]
