Much loved footballer Alex Fletcher, who suffered a near fatal head injury, releases an emotional video as he retires aged 25.
The former Bath City striker has announced his retirement from playing football, less than two years after the ex-Plymouth Argyle youth product collided with concrete barriers at Twerton Park mid game in November 2022.
Fletcher then had major surgery to remove part of his skull recovery, and was unable to play football having spent 10 months of recovery before returning to the pitch in August 2023, you can see more on that HERE.
He then signed for Weston-super-Mare back in November 2023, but the Southern League outfit announced in July 2024 that the striker had decided to hang up his boots.
View this post on Instagram
💚 Sending our best wishes to Academy graduate Alex Fletcher, following his decision to retire from playing football.
The very best of luck with what comes next, Alex.#pafc https://t.co/NyetDjwc7M
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) July 22, 2024
Weston-super-Mare Manager Scott Bartlett said:
“I’ve spoken with Alex many times during the summer. He informed me of his decision some time ago which I know he had thought about greatly.
“He is an intelligent person with a great family, who recently had a very important new addition. That is obviously the most important thing.
“I have not known Alex for long in the grand scheme of things but he had made an impression on me and the rest of our club.
“He is so positive and has taken everything in his stride. What he went through is common knowledge but largely incomprehensible to many.
“I am sure you will all join me in thanking Alex for all his efforts in a Seagulls shirt and wishing him all the best for the future in what is sure to be a great career with the PFA”.
Everyone at Weston-super-Mare AFC echoes the above words from Scott. We wish Alex and his family all the very best for the future. They are all welcome back to the Optima Stadium anytime.
The moment Alex Fletcher made his heroic return to Twerton Park.
⚫️⚪️ #Romans pic.twitter.com/O4WfR93SdU
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) August 26, 2023
Assistant Manager Scott Rogers, who also managed Alex at Tiverton Town, also issued the following message:
I had the pleasure to work with Alex before and after his injury and one thing that stood out on either side was what a wonderful human being he was and still is.
“Martyn Rogers was a huge fan of Alex whilst he was at Plymouth and tried numerous times to sign him before eventually we got him to sign for Tiverton. He came in smiling and looking like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth but once he crossed that white line, he was a tenacious winner with a never-say-die attitude and will to win.
“The word brave didn’t do him justice. Needless to say, he hit the ground running, became a firm fans favourite and scored plenty of goals. We knew we’d struggle to keep hold of him and eventually Bath City came calling.
“It wasn’t a surprise to see how well he did there and once again his hard running, endeavour and footballing ability proved to win the Bath supporters over and once again he became a firm favourite.
“We were all devastated to hear the news of the injury and prayed he’d be OK. After he got out of the hospital, nothing was going to stop him from playing football again.
“When he became available and I spoke to Scott about the possibility of coming to Weston, Scott backed Alex’s attitude and ability so much so that he said not to come in on trial but to give him a contract. This I know filled Alex with belief and confidence.
“He scored some vital goals and fitted into the dressing room with ease.
“I still can’t believe to this day he managed to play and contribute at this level of football after all that he’s been through which was a testament to him.
“Alex, we wish you all the best in your retirement. Take care of your young family and we would love to see you at a home game soon to say a proper thank you for your time with us”.
Fans, staff, colleagues, friends sent their love and support, thanking Alex Fletcher, who suffered near fatal head injury, as he releases an emotional video and retires from football aged 25…
@MCJS91: Fletch your a true Warrior mate tha game wont be the same without you, i hope you can come back to @BathCity_FC in a coaching role or something because young players need a role model to look up to and you would be a great person to do that
@JerryGill_2: Super proud of this man. We will never forget that awful night at TP but remember how inspiring you have been in your recovery. Enjoy life with your beautiful family mate and thankyou so much for all the great memories you gave us in a @BathCity_FC shirt #Roman 🖤⚽️🖤
@SHardcastle58: Good luck in your future, best wishes.
@jackrowlands123: Such a sad and unfortunate ending to a promising career. Will forever be grateful for everything he done in a City shirt, gave us so many good memories. After that night against Dulwich, I’m just so glad that he’s still here and as healthy as can be. 🖤🤍
@ArgyleLife1886: Wishing you all the best, Alex 👊💚
@TomHardcastle: All the very best for the the future Alex
@tivvygirl: Sorry to hear this but good luck in everything you do
@PeteStanford1: Good luck to Alex and his family in the next chapter of their lives 😇💪🏻
@LewBatch1: Such a shame to see a career cut short, all the best for your future endeavours!
@Toby_Saunders94: A proper legend, good luck in whatever you do next Alex!
@Gellyfour: Really sad news but plenty of things in life are more important than football. Hopefully a healthy future for Alex.
@Johnny_b1664: Good luck in the future Alex
@JackPritchard37: Good luck and all the best for the future Alex
@slimakaphil: All the best for the future Alex.
So proud of our friend & colleague #AlexFletcher on so many levels. He cares passionately about educating the football community on brain injury in the game. New daddy to Baby Fletcher. So much more to come Alex, you’re not retired, you’ve just started x https://t.co/E0SzA1Pa5Z
— Rachel Walden (@RachelWalden_68) July 21, 2024
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