Wrexham’s quest for promotion from League One has received a substantial boost thanks to the prowess of the third-most expensive signing in Sunderland‘s history.
Steven Fletcher arrived at the Stadium of Light in 2012 for a transfer fee of £12m, placing him just behind Didier Ndong (£13.6m) and Asamoah Gyan (£13m) in the pecking order for their most expensive purchase. The seasoned striker, who is set to turn 38 this month, has netted seven times for the Welsh club, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, this season.
Fletcher has often delivered crucial goals as a substitute for former Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson, grabbing the winner in the second half of Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town. The result saw Wrexham stay within striking distance of the two automatic promotion spots on offer in the third tier with 12 fixtures remaining.
Fletcher’s knack for scoring continues to shine after an eight-goal spree as the Red Dragons were promoted from League Two last term. His influence hasn’t gone unnoticed among his peers, with teammates voicing their appreciation for his extensive experience.
Following Wrexham’s victory over Huddersfield, midfielder Ollie Rathbone spoke highly of Fletcher’s role. He said: “He’s such an important part of the squad, both on and off the pitch. He’s so popular in the changing rooms and he’s great with all the other players. When he comes on, he gives everyone a bit of a lift because you know he’s got immense talent. We’re lucky to have him.”
The ex-Scotland star made the switch to Wrexham on a free transfer in September 2023 after parting ways with Dundee United. Fletcher’s career journey began at Hibernian, netting 43 times in 156 Scottish Premier League outings before securing a record £3m move to Burnley in 2009.
His career trajectory continued upwards with a £6.5m transfer to Wolves and then that significant £12m switch to Sunderland in 2012, where he scored 23 goals in 108 matches before his departure in 2016. Following stints at Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Dundee United, Fletcher found his way to the Racecourse Ground in North Wales.
With an overall tally of 53 Premier League goals on his CV, Wrexham boss Parkinson is confident in Fletcher’s abilities, recently telling The Athletic: “When the opposition see Fletch warming up, it must put a bit of fear into them because he’s such a good player.”
Although often deployed as a substitute nowadays, Fletcher embraces his role as an impact player. Previously, Paul Mullin was the go-to man for Wrexham, but now Fletcher has shouldered some of that goalscoring burden.
Reflecting on the victory against Huddersfield, he said: “I know my role, I’m enjoying it. You want to play games but the two strikers that are playing now (Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez), I can’t speak highly enough of them for what they’re doing for the team.
“You can see the impact they’re making on the pitch and it makes my job easier when I come on because they tire everyone out. We know how to handle these occasions. I’m 38 this month and I feel 28, it’s good to still be rolling out there.”
Looking forward, Wrexham are gearing up for a home game against Rotherham this coming Saturday followed by Reading on Tuesday. But the real anticipation is for their match-up with second-placed Wycombe on Saturday 15.
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