Wrexham Secure Statement Signing After Recent Transfer Disappointment
Wrexham revealed the signing of former Burnley, Wolves, and Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher on a free transfer today on their official club website.
The 36-year-old, who joins the Red Dragons after being released by Dundee United, will provide extra striker options for Phil Parkinson’s side and will help to lighten the pain of Luke Armstrong’s move to Wales collapsing at the last minute from Harrogate Town.
With Paul Mullin still out for Wrexham at the moment, Fletcher will join the striker set-up in Wales alongside the likes of Sam Dalby and Ollie Palmer up front.
Fletcher could well slot straight into the team for tomorrow’s League Two clash versus basement club Doncaster Rovers, the veteran attacker eager to impress at the Racehorse Ground when called into action.
Who Is Steven Fletcher?
Amassing over 600 appearances in his career to date, Fletcher is an instantly recognisable name for fans of the Premier League, the EFL and the Scottish Premiership.
Starting off in Scotland with Hibernian – developing through the youth ranks before becoming a star man in Edinburgh – Fletcher would score 43 goals in total for Hibs which would lead to a move to Burnley during the 2009-10 season.
The Scotsman would perform in his new surroundings, scoring 12 times for the first-time Premier League club that entire season. This would lead to a move to Wolves, cementing Fletcher as a potent striker in the top tier.
He would net double figures two seasons on the trot for Wolves, scoring 12 goals during the 2011-12 season which saw his employers suffer relegation regardless of Fletcher’s efforts.
Fletcher wouldn’t join his side in the Championship however, snapped up by Sunderland to lead the line for the Black Cats.
He would manage 23 goals for the Tyne and Wear side over a number of seasons, his output drying up towards the end of his career at Sunderland which would lead to him relocating to Sheffield Wednesday.
Fletcher would go on to be a reliable option for the Owls up top, scoring 38 times for Wednesday including 13 from only 27 matches played in his final full season in South Yorkshire.
Moves to Stoke City and back to his native Scotland with Dundee United have followed, with Wrexham now the next club of choice for the 36-year-old attacker.
What’s Been Said?
Speaking to Wrexham’s official club website after being unveiled, Fletcher spoke of the club’s ambition being a key factor as to why he chose to join the Red Dragons.
He said: “Hopefully I can bring a lot of experience. I’m 36, I’m still fit and still raring to go.
One of the biggest selling points was the ambition of the Club, and if I can help with that then great.
I don’t think you can not see what has been happening at Wrexham – it’s been a great experience for the fans, players and owners so hopefully we can continue that.”
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson further commented on the statement signing, pleased to add Fletcher to the group not just for his ability but also his professionalism.
He said: “I’m really pleased with the addition of Steve to the squad. He’s missed football through pre-season but he’s trained today with the lads and it’s good to have him on board.
His pedigree speaks for itself, and he’s played most of his career at a very high level. He’s an excellent professional and that’s really important to fit in with the group here.”
Writer’s View
Wrexham are stealing headlines again with the signings they are able to pull off, Steven Fletcher has spent most of his career in the Premier League and Championship when it comes to English football.
Now, he’ll be featuring in League Two for his brand new employers.
The Welsh club will just hope his experience and know-how can be useful in big matches, alongside his ability to still find the net.
Fletcher will hope on a personal level – so late into his career -that he can go out with a bang and help Wrexham to a positive finish in League Two come the end of the 46-game campaign.
