Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fletch wants to repeat impressive appearance tally
SIDELINED Steve Fletcher has vowed to pull out all the stops in a bid to continue his proud fitness record next season. The veteran targetman, who proved his worth by appearing in 45 of Cherries' 46 league matches last term, has had his pre-season preparations disrupted by a heel problem. He hobbled off during the friendly against Hamworthy Recreation on Tuesday and missed the clash at Poole Town the following night. Fletcher, 38 later this month, is resting as a precaution so is likely to sit out tomorrow's match against Europa League runners-up Fulham at Dean Court (3pm). But despite admitting he will have to tread carefully because of the problem with his left foot, Cherries' record appearance-maker is hoping the injury is not serious and is desperate to be raring to go for the big kick-off at Charlton Athletic next month. He told the Echo: I will be doing everything in my power to get fit in the next week, never mind in three weeks when the season starts. I've got a fantastic physio here and management who make sure the boys are getting the best treatment possible at the club. One thing is for sure, I'll be giving myself every opportunity to get it right in the next few days, but sensibly and not doing anything stupid to rush it. My aim, like everybody's, is to be fit for the start of the season. I was on the pitch for 45 out of 46 games last season so if I could get anywhere near that, people would probably say it's a miracle! But maybe people were saying that last season. I defied the odds, not just to myself but probably to the manager as well, by being involved as much as I was. That will be my aim again this season. Discussing the heel injury which is being monitored on a day-to-day basis, Fletcher added: I don't think it's anything major but, whether you're my age or a young pup it doesn't matter, when you've got a sore spot the obvious thing is to keep off it. As frustrating as that is in pre-season, it's the right thing to do. Meanwhile, the Steve Fletcher Stand at Dean Court will be sponsored by the club's official nutritional supplement provider USANA Health Sciences for the 2010-11 season. Cherries' commercial director Rob Mitchell confirmed the deal included a financial commitment and the supply of products to the players over the next year.