Steven Fletcher has become an iconic figure at the Racecourse Ground, with the Scotsman now admitting that Wrexham saved his career.
Fletcher was set to depart Wrexham this summer. The striker saw his one-year contract drawing to a close and question marks surfaced over his future.
The former Scotland international scored eight goals in 2023/24 but at the age of 37, it didn’t seem the wisest decision to hand him a new deal, despite the positive impact he had on the dressing room.
However, to the delight of most, Fletcher was handed a new one-year deal at Wrexham and the veteran forward has now admitted the club saved his career.
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Steven Fletcher admits Wrexham saved his career after ‘honest’ conversation with Parkinson
For what he brought off the pitch in terms of his experience, as well as on it, supporters found Fletcher a joy to watch in his first season at the Welsh outfit.
He’s now signed on for the 2024/25 campaign, where he’ll battle with Ollie Palmer for a place alongside Jack Marriott or Paul Mullin in Wrexham’s attack.
The dynamic of switching between Palmer and Fletcher worked well in League Two and Parkinson feels he can still offer something unique in the third tier.
Parkinson’s show of faith in the former Premier League forward is what impressed him the most as without that ‘open’ conversation with the manager, Fletcher was resigned to retirement.
Speaking to The Leader, he said: “It was in the back of my mind but only if I didn’t get another year here. I would never have gone anywhere else. If I didn’t get another year here I was going to retire.
“I am glad the club wanted to keep me. I was open with the gaffer about it before I signed my new deal. I wasn’t holding him to ransom or anything like that but I had made up my mind.
“I didn’t want to move again somewhere else – I am too old for that now. I am settled here and it is a great place. The town is brilliant and the players are great.”
Steven Fletcher will cap illustrious career at Wrexham
Fletcher will turn 38-years-old in March and the iconic Scottish striker will look back on his illustrious career with fond memories.
The scorer of 53 Premier League goals at clubs such as Wolves, Burnley and Sunderland, it was a shock to many when he decided to join Wrexham last summer.
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Parkinson’s men had just returned to the Football League and made a statement of intent by signing both Fletcher and James McClean, who played vital roles in their promotion.
Supporters now know that following his latest comments, Fletcher will retire at Wrexham, the 10th and final club of his professional career.
It would be a fitting end for him if the Reds could achieve a record-breaking third successive promotion to the Championship however, regardless of whether that happens, fans can just be delighted they’ve been able to see that calibre of player perform at the Racecourse Ground.