Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fletcher relieved at Howe decision
Cherries club captain Steve Fletcher has admitted Eddie Howe's decision to remain at Dean Court was met with delight and great relief by the squad.[LNB] Fletcher says the majority of the players had feared the worst as speculation continued to mount regarding Howe's future as Cherries boss.[LNB] Howe, who said the players had been the key factor in his decision to stay, told his squad before the news was revealed yesterday lunchtime.[LNB] Fletcher made his 500th league start for Cherries during their 3-0 win over Plymouth on Saturday and had been concerned it would be his final game under Howe.[LNB] It was the news everybody associated with the club had wanted to hear, said Cherries' record appearance holder. Players, directors, supporters and staff all wanted him to stay.[LNB] It was great news but, if I'm honest, it was perhaps the news we weren't expecting either. There had been so much speculation that I think everybody had feared the inevitable and that Eddie might have been on his way. When he told us, I think a lot of us were shocked if absolutely delighted.[LNB] The past few days have been strange because nobody really knew what was going on. People thought we knew and I had people phoning me and stopping me in the street to ask. To be honest, we knew as much as we read in the Daily Echo. One of the hardest things was not knowing.[LNB] It must have been a very hard decision for Eddie and not one he would have taken lightly. He probably looked at every aspect and I'm sure he will know in his heart of hearts, he has made the right decision.[LNB] Fletcher, who was re-signed by Howe two years ago, acknowledged that he had more reason than most to be thankful for his decision to stay.[LNB] Released by previous boss Kevin Bond in 2007, Fletcher had dropped into the non-league ranks with Crawley Town before Howe and assistant Jason Tindall brought him back to Dorset.[LNB] And it was to prove one of Howe's many masterstrokes with Fletcher playing a key role in helping Cherries preserve their Football League status and then winning promotion last season.[LNB] Fletcher added: From a personal point of view, it is incredible news for me. I spoke to Eddie afterwards and said that, if it hadn't been for him and Jason, I wouldn't have been here now. I know a lot of players could say that but they resurrected my career at the tender age of 36![LNB] I owe everything to them for bringing me back and this is the best news I could have hoped for. I wouldn't have achieved what I have in the past two years and it has been an incredible journey for me, especially at this stage of my career.[LNB] I will probably remember |the past two years with more happy memories than the previous 15.[LNB]
