Forward-Looking Fletch

STRIKER Alex Fletcher is eyeing a regular spot in the Greens’ first-team under new manager Ryan Lowe, having agreed a deal to keep him at his boyhood club.

Fletch made his competitive debut in December 2016, off the bench in a goalless draw at home to Newport County in the FA Cup. Since then, he has appeared another 23 times in the Pilgrims’ senior line-up, with the most recent of these coming as a substitute in the 5-1 loss to Accrington towards the end of the Sky Bet League One season.

With the dust now settled on a disappointing campaign, the Newton Abbot-born forward is excited about the prospect of cutting his teeth in League Two under a new manager.

“I think, for me, breaking in is going to be a lot easier in League Two than it was in League One,” said Fletcher.

Having done his research on Lowe, and his preferred style of play, Fletcher feels that he has a lot to offer his new gaffer.

“I really do think that I fit the criteria for what he [Ryan Lowe] has looked for in a striker in the past,” said Fletcher, who has notched three times in senior colours.

“He might change the system with the players that we’ve got, but I feel that I offer something that would fit well,” the striker continued. “That’s why I’m looking forward to this season - because I’m not looking at myself as a youngster anymore; I’m looking to break in this year."

Despite having his sights set on the first-team, Fletcher acknowledges there is likely to be stiff competition for first-team minutes, particularly at the sharp-end of Lowe’s attacking unit.

“Going back into pre-season, I think everyone is on a level playing field anyway,” said Fletcher. “He [Ryan Lowe] said to me that if I did sign, which I have done now, that he is looking forward to working with me and passing on that knowledge from striker to striker. I’m looking forward to working with him.”