Darren Fletcher | Moves to Stoke
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
... Why?
STOKE CITY are delighted to announce the signing of Scotland international Darren Fletcher on a two-year deal.
The vastly experienced midfielder will officially join the Club on July 1, following the expiration of his existing contract with West Bromwich Albion.
Fletcher, who made 97 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies, has opted to join Mark Hughes’ side this summer at the expense of prolonging his stay at the Hawthorns.
Announcing the news, Chief Executive Tony Scholes told stokecityfc.com: “Darren has a vast amount of Premier League experience and has been an ever present in the Premier League for the last two seasons.
"He is a player with clear leadership qualities as he has demonstrated playing for Manchester United, West Brom and Scotland and when we became aware of his availability we wanted to move quickly to tie him up.”
Speaking moments after putting pen-to-paper, Fletcher added: “It’s all happened incredibly quickly, but I am delighted to be here.
“This is a fantastic Club with a top manager and a great group of players and I am really looking forward to this opportunity.
“I loved every moment of my time at West Bromwich Albion and I loved every moment of my time with Manchester United, but this is a new challenge for me now, and I like to think I respond well to new challenges.”
The 33-year-old was handed the captaincy by Tony Pulis shortly after his arrival from Manchester United in February 2015, and went on to establish himself as an almost ever present in his starting 11 in each of the past two Premier League campaigns.
His impressive form for West Bromwich Albion came on the back of a hugely successful 13-year period under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Fletcher lifted numerous titles during his trophy-laden spell in Manchester, helping the club to five Premier League crowns, two League Cups an FA Cup and the coveted Champions League.
The tenacious midfielder is currently preparing for Scotland’s vital 2018 World Cup Qualifier against England at Hampden Park next week, where he could line-up against new Potters teammate Jack Butland.
The vastly experienced midfielder will officially join the Club on July 1, following the expiration of his existing contract with West Bromwich Albion.
Fletcher, who made 97 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies, has opted to join Mark Hughes’ side this summer at the expense of prolonging his stay at the Hawthorns.
Announcing the news, Chief Executive Tony Scholes told stokecityfc.com: “Darren has a vast amount of Premier League experience and has been an ever present in the Premier League for the last two seasons.
"He is a player with clear leadership qualities as he has demonstrated playing for Manchester United, West Brom and Scotland and when we became aware of his availability we wanted to move quickly to tie him up.”
Speaking moments after putting pen-to-paper, Fletcher added: “It’s all happened incredibly quickly, but I am delighted to be here.
“This is a fantastic Club with a top manager and a great group of players and I am really looking forward to this opportunity.
“I loved every moment of my time at West Bromwich Albion and I loved every moment of my time with Manchester United, but this is a new challenge for me now, and I like to think I respond well to new challenges.”
The 33-year-old was handed the captaincy by Tony Pulis shortly after his arrival from Manchester United in February 2015, and went on to establish himself as an almost ever present in his starting 11 in each of the past two Premier League campaigns.
His impressive form for West Bromwich Albion came on the back of a hugely successful 13-year period under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Fletcher lifted numerous titles during his trophy-laden spell in Manchester, helping the club to five Premier League crowns, two League Cups an FA Cup and the coveted Champions League.
The tenacious midfielder is currently preparing for Scotland’s vital 2018 World Cup Qualifier against England at Hampden Park next week, where he could line-up against new Potters teammate Jack Butland.
Free signing, adds experience and doesn't cost anything. Fair signingS
Did West Brom not offer him a good enough deal? I thought he was happy there. Was captain and playing every week.
I thought he was West Brom's captain and player of the season??
Hasn't he played about 100 consecutive games for WBA since moving there? Incredible achievement to come back from his illness, be their best player, captain, and start that many games consecutively.
He played 97 games in total for WBA. Played 76 league games in last 2 seasons and 15 games in half a season before that. That's amazing record.
Their fans should be happy, they already think they're a retirement home 
Odd move from WBA
A bit random. Might've only offered him a year deal though at 33.
Fecking typical.
Probably want to move his family back to the area.
Seems the most likely explanation.
Stoke is close to Cheshire where he lives I'm guessing.
That's the only thing I can think of, just seems bizarre to me. I doubt length of contract at West Brom would've been a problem, Pulis rates him highly.
Most boring transfer of the summer. Two of the most boring teams and one of the most boring players.
How random.
so true!My favourite player at his time at United.
But I thought he had it good at WBA .
But I thought he had it good at WBA .
Doesn't look out of place competing in a midfield that contains Pogba, Matic and Herrera. And I thought Allen looks below average against United, which make it more impressive.
Still remember the ridiculous criticisms he got because hes Scottish, an academy player, and look shite when he was played out of position
Still remember the ridiculous criticisms he got because hes Scottish, an academy player, and look shite when he was played out of position
Yes he looks good. His illness robbed him of a good few years with us, and now he's come through it he's putting in standout performances at lower Premier League level.
Top top bloke. He's a cert for a managers job when he finishes but I'd love it if he came back into the United family in some capacity.
I hate how unapologetically he tackles and passes the ball. It's deplorable. What a turncoat.
Always like Fletcher. Also gave us an immense 2-3 years or so. Big miss in the UCL final, no doubt. Even more furious was that it was a perfect tackle on Fabregas, iirc.
Which make it more impressive really. Lost 3 years to debilitating illness, and return to performed at this level every week. Just read that he never missed a league game since he moved to WBA.
I took a look at some Stoke City forums and they absolutely loved him. Most of them praised his passing, game management and leadership.
Bit surprised WBA let him go, their loss Stoke's gain.
So impressive. I don't think anyone including Fletch himself had any hard feelings about his exit but in his previous 12 months' form and fitness he could have done a good job for us.
It was probably one of the strangest low key transfers of the summer.
I reckon Arsenal would look miles better with Fletcher instead of Xhaka in their midfield
West Brom didn't want to lose him Fletcher decided to go because Stoke is closer to where he lives.
They'd probably look better with Jessica Fletcher in there to be fair.
Ah I didn't hear about this. Was he out of contract?
Yeah he opted not to renew.
That makes sense then. Truly WBA's loss and Stoke's gain.
United's most overrated player ever
Waits for inevitable shitstorm
Waits for inevitable shitstorm
Felt like Peterstorey on Saturday watching him foul without getting booked.
True role model!
Think i read he's played 71 games in a row since leaving United. Unreal considering the illness he's battling
I think he was their MOTM
Horrible illness looked to have finished him. He's got something special in him to come back the way he has. No wonder he was one of Fergie's favourites.