Ex-Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday man explains key factor behind change of fortunes at Blackpool
Ashley Fletcher has been in impressive form for Blackpool over the last couple of months.
Ashley Fletcher states psychology has been at the heart of his career turnaround with Blackpool - as he looks to continue his recent goal-scoring run against one of his former clubs this weekend.
Ian Evatt’s side travel to the Brick Community Stadium to take on Wigan Athletic on Saturday (K.O. 12.30pm), with the 30-year-old having found the back of the net five times in his last four outings.
Fletcher’s loan spell with the Seasiders’ upcoming opponents during the 2022/23 campaign formed part of a tough time during his career, with a stint with Sheffield Wednesday also proving unsuccessful after finding his game time limited with Watford.
Since his move to Bloomfield Road in the summer of 2024, the 30-year-old has proven to be a hit in Tangerine.
After producing 11 goals and eight assists in League One last term, he has already found the back of the net 12 times in all competitions this season.
Following his recent strike in Blackpool’s 2-2 draw with Lincoln City, Fletcher emphasised the importance of turning his attention back to the mental side of the game.
“It left me a little bit and I felt I didn’t need it, but when I wanted to get my career back on track coming here, I felt it was so important to have people to lean on in terms of where I was going wrong,” he said.
“It’s been part of my routine every week, so it’s been helping me and long may it continue.
“Me and the physiologist speak about being a magnet to the ball when you’re performing. It’s mad how the brain works, just putting me in the right positions.
“I’ve always had confidence in my ability but sometimes it’s about the right fit of the team and playing to my strengths. Fortunately at this club, all three managers I have played under have had confidence in me - that’s a massive thing for me.
“The gaffer at the minute is helping me to learn every day, I’m evolving as a football player. He’s been fantastic for me and I’m really enjoying playing under him at the moment.”
‘Riding the wave’
Blackpool will be looking to build on their comeback against Lincoln, and 3-0 victory over Rotherham United before that, as they head into the latter stages of the calendar year.
Following their final away outing of 2025 against Wigan, they host both Doncaster Rovers and the Millers over the Christmas period.
“I love the festive period,” Fletcher added.
“It’s taxing for us but we’re football players at the end of the day, and it’s part and parcel of why we play - seeing those big crowds on Boxing Day is everything that we want.
“The emotion and confidence drives you on so you don’t feel tired at all. We need to keep riding the wave of how we’re playing at the minute.
“We’re looking forward to it, and we need to keep picking up points to get us out of the position we are in. I’m really confident that we will do it.”
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