Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Legend Fletcher closes in on appearance milestone
VETERAN Cherries striker Steve Fletcher insists he has no plans to hang up his boots despite being labelled the grand-daddy of Dean Court.[LNB] Fletcher is on the verge of another memorable milestone after making his 699th appearance as a league player during Cherries' 2-1 win at Macclesfield on Saturday.[LNB] And the popular 37-year-old will be hoping to bring up the magical 700 by playing a part against fellow League Two high-fliers Dagenham & Redbridge tonight.[LNB] Fletcher, who may have to settle for a place on the bench for the Daily Echo-sponsored clash, has enjoyed an unexpected renaissance since boss Eddie Howe brought him back to the club in January.[LNB] The lads are always ribbing me about my age and have started calling me grand-daddy! said Fletcher. I was waiting to come on against Macclesfield on Saturday and someone shouted to me that I had forgotten my Zimmer. I get a lot of banter at away games and people always want to know when I'm going to retire.[LNB] While I believe I can still make a difference, whether it's starting or coming off the bench, and as long as the manager feels I can still do a job, then I'll keep going. I don't feel any different now to how I did five or six years ago.[LNB] I had 18 months away from the club and felt I improved both as a player and as a person. People might think it's strange how a 35-year-old can improve, but I think I did.[LNB] I've got no intention of giving up just yet. I think I'll know when the time is right but while I feel I can still make an impact, I will keep playing.[LNB] I've never fallen out of love with the game and don't see any reason why I will. Things couldn't be any better and are as good now as they have been at any time during my 21-year career.[LNB] Fletcher, Cherries' record league appearance-maker, has missed just two games this season as Howe's troops have taken League Two by storm, the Teessider used from the bench in their past three matches.[LNB] He added: Realistically, I'm not going to start every game. At my age, I will settle for starting some and coming off the bench in others.[LNB] I think Eddie had those intentions last season but I started every game bar two, albeit in different circumstances.[LNB] As much as I want to play every game, I know I can't. It's horses for courses and I'm sure there will be times when I will be needed to come in to do a job. I'm trying to prolong my career and not starting every game is helping me do that. I just want to do well for the team.[LNB] ¢ Fletcher has made 619 appearances for Cherries together with 80 for Hartlepool and Chesterfield. He also made 26 for non-league Crawley.[LNB]
