Fletcher Signs On

ALEX Fletcher has signed a new contract at Home Park.

The energetic forward, who graduated from the Pilgrims’ youth academy and burst onto the scene in the 2017-18 season, has followed in Gary Sawyer’s footsteps by becoming the second out-of-contract Pilgrim to commit his future to Argyle.

‘Fletch’, 20, joined the Academy as a nine-year-old, and carved a route through to the first-team with a reputation for his incredible engine and work-rate. His knack for scoring goals was soon apparent, too, perhaps exemplified by a four-goal showing in an FA Youth Cup victory over Cheltenham in 2016.

It was perhaps no surprise, then, that he was handed his first-team debut a month later, in the senior FA Cup, against Newport County. At the turn of the year, after the Pilgrims overcame the Exiles in the replay, Fletcher took his spot on the bench for the Pilgrims’ third-round clash against European giants Liverpool.

The Newton-Abbot born striker made his full Pilgrims debut in a 2-2 Checkatrade Trophy draw with Chelsea under-21’s at Home Park – bagging a late and impressive brace to cancel out future England forward Callum Hudson-Odoi’s pair at the other end. Fletcher also netted a penalty as the Greens won the shootout. His first league goal also came at Home Park, a late consolation in a 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town.

In January 2018, Fletcher spent a month on-loan at Torquay in the National League, before returning to Home Park and contributing to the Pilgrims’ late push for the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

The scintillating form of top-scorer Freddie Ladapo meant that first-team opportunities were hard to come by for Fletcher last season, although impressive performances in the Premier League Cup, where he captained the young Pilgrims side, and Central League fixtures, ensured that decision-makers at the club were left in no doubt regarding his potential.