STEVE Fletcher has dismissed suggestions he is set for his Cherries swansong and says he still has plenty to offer.
Fletcher is expected to feature when Cherries bring down the curtain on the season against Preston at Seward Stadium tomorrow (3pm).
The 39-year-old club legend was farmed out on loan to Plymouth, one of former manager Lee Bradbury’s last acts of his tenure.
Fletcher played six times during his one-month stay with the Pilgrims and helped the Devon outfit preserve its Football League status.
Asked by the Daily Echo whether he had returned to make his farewell appearance for Cherries, Fletcher replied: “I hope not. I think I have proved this season that I am more than capable of making a difference, both when I have played here and at Plymouth.
“I played the full 90 minutes in my last game for Plymouth and probably had one of my best games for many years. Things like that give me the inspiration to keep playing. I am not saying I am going to go on forever but will while I think I can still have an impact.
“I understand people will speculate because I will be 40 in July but I have got a year left on my contract and see myself being here next season and playing a major part in what I believe will be a promotion push.”
Fletcher, meanwhile, is backing caretaker-bosses Paul Groves and Shaun Brooks to be given the post permanently and says he will be hoping to impress the duo against Preston.
Fletcher added: “I hope they get the job and, hopefully, if they do, I could help them in some way, both on and off the pitch.”
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