Fansided

The best player of all time for each Premier League team

By Thomas Wheaton

LONDON - NOVEMBER 13: Thierry Henry celebrates a goal during the Barclays Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on November 13, 2004 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON - NOVEMBER 13: Thierry Henry celebrates a goal during the Barclays Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on November 13, 2004 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Steve Fletcher of AFC Bournemouth in action during the Coca Cola League Two Match between Northampton Town and AFC Bournemouth at Sixfields Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Steve Fletcher of AFC Bournemouth in action during the Coca Cola League Two Match between Northampton Town and AFC Bournemouth at Sixfields Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) /

Bournemouth: Steve Fletcher

Players rarely last more than 10 seasons at any one club. Those that do are almost guaranteed a special place in the hearts of supporters. Such is the case with Steve Fletcher. The English forward spent 15 seasons with Bournemouth and became a household name. And that was only his first stint. Fletcher returned for four more seasons toward the end of his career, totaling 19 seasons as a Cherry.

The towering forward was a stereotypical target man, having the ability to shoulder off defenders and maintain possession of the ball. He also possessed a natural ability in the air, using his height to his advantage.

He scored 114 times in his career, with 103 of them coming in a Bournemouth kit. His success at the club lasted longer than most players’ careers, and a player doesn’t last that long at a single club without winning over the fans. Fletcher became a fan favorite very quickly, thanks to his performances and goals.

Bournemouth never made it to the Premier League with Fletcher on the pitch. He retired in 2013 after his second stint with the Cherries, who were still in League One at the time, but was no doubt cheering along with every other Bournemouth fan when the club got promoted to the top flight ahead of the 2015-16 season. He might lack the trophies of some other clubs’ legends, but he more than makes up for it with his longevity and devotion. His 628 appearances for Bournemouth are the most of all time.

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