EVERGREEN Steve Fletcher signed up for Cherries’ League One quest and then declared: “We could prove a lot of people wrong.”

Fletcher yesterday extended his long association with the club by putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal, having been offered terms by boss Eddie Howe at the end of last season.

Since rejoining the club from Crawley Town in January 2009, Cherries’ record appearance-maker has been a pivotal figure.

He scored the goal that sealed Cherries’ survival in 2009 before playing a key role as Howe’s men secured an against-the-odds promotion from League Two.

Despite turning 38 next month, Fletcher is still determined to push for a first-team place. And he is setting his sights high ahead of Cherries’ step up to the third tier.

“I do believe that we could go and prove a lot of people wrong in this forthcoming season and be a force to be reckoned with,” the club captain told the Echo.

“But we definitely need a good start. As was proved last season, a good start sets you up fantastically for the rest of the campaign.

“I don’t want to listen to people saying we’re just going to settle for a bit of stability in League One. If we did (achieve that) and that’s what happens, then it wouldn’t be that bad.

“But my aspirations are to keep going and keep succeeding. I’m sure if you asked every other player, they’d say the same thing.

“I’m sure if you asked all of our boys, we’re not overly bothered what people think. It’s what we do. After what we’ve experienced and achieved, why shouldn’t we be greedy for more?”

Fletcher is expecting a tough battle for places after Howe bolstered his attacking resources by bringing in Steve Lovell and Michael Symes during the summer.

But the veteran targetman is keen to build on his efforts of last season, when he showed his worth by appearing in an impressive 45 out of 46 league matches.

He added: “All I can do is make sure I’m at my best and give myself every opportunity for the manager to put me in the squad.

“It gets harder and more difficult as you get older and I’ve got to keep myself 100 per cent right to give myself any chance of being in the squad, never mind the starting 11.

“I’ll have to fight twice as hard. The quality of the squad is very strong.”