Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe urges fans to welcome back Fletcher
EDDIE Howe is urging the Dean Court faithful to give a warm welcome to former Cherries skipper Carl Fletcher on his return with Plymouth Argyle. Fletcher led from the front by scoring twice and captaining Cherries to a memorable Division Three play-off final triumph in 2003. The 30-year-old, a product of the Dean Court youth ranks, made 225 appearances for Cherries before signing for West Ham for £250,000 in 2004. Howe, who was among the crowd at the Millennium Stadium, said: Carl's display at Cardiff typified him. He epitomised the team at the time because he was a real competitor. He was in the year below me in the youth team and I saw him develop into a fine player. He has gone on to enjoy a really good career and it doesn't surprise me. He has played at the top level, he always had a great attitude and has always been a winner. I think he deserves a good reception because he was a great player while he was here. Fletcher is set to return to the Pilgrims starting line-up for the first time since mid-October after recovering from a thigh injury. He said: It's the first time I will have played against Bournemouth since I left and I'm looking forward to it. But it will only be a special day for me if we come away with three points. I spent all my childhood and grew up there. Bournemouth holds a special place in my heart. I learned a lot and will always be grateful for the time I spent there.