Blackpool forward pinpoints key to finding form after Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday struggles

Blackpool striker Ashley Fletcher admits he always retained confidence in his ability - even during some real low points.

The forward has proven to be a hit at Bloomfield Road since joining the Seasiders in 2024, but not everyone has seen the best of the former Manchester United youngster throughout his career.

A move to Watford in 2021 was the start of a tough number of years for the 30-year-old, with just six appearances coming his way with the Hornets, and loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic not working out.

For a period on the Fylde Coast, it looked as if his time in Tangerine would follow the same script, but a conversation with Steve Bruce helped to turn things around.

After bagging 11 goals and providing eight assists in his first year with Blackpool, he topped that this time around with 21 goals in all competitions, with his form going to another level under Ian Evatt.

Fletcher, who is approaching the end of his current deal with the Seasiders, believes teams in the past haven’t always played to his strengths, and have focussed on his height rather than his ability on the ball.

“I’ve always known that I’ve always been a good player,” he said.

“It’s just about people understanding my game. People look at me, I’m 6’5 so it’s a ‘let’s launch it up to Fletch’ kind of thing.

“I've had it my whole career. There’s no getting away from it, you have to be reasonably good in the air.

“That’s just not my game at all. Luckily I’ve had two managers who know that and know my strengths. I prefer the ball on the floor and can make things happen that way. It’s about having that confidence.

“I’ve been brought up playing football on the floor through United and stuff so that’s definitely my strength.”

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