Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Steven Fletcher backed for Wolves
Tuesday 1st June 2010, 9:59AM BST.
Fletcher became the spearhead of a struggling attack in his first Premier League season, scoring eight top flight goals and 12 in total.
Wolves target Steven Fletcher has been backed to add flair and goals to boss Mick McCarthy’s battlers in the Premier League next season.
The Scotland striker is also being chased by Blackburn, with both willing to match Burnley’s £7million valuation and the clubs are waiting for the striker to return from holiday before beginning talks.
And former Molineux favourite Mark Venus, who coached Fletcher for two years between 2004 to 2006 at Hibernian, believes the 23-year-old is an ideal acquisition for his old club.
He said: “Steven is a good player, but he’s got a bit of individuality about him as well which you need in the Premier League. He’s got a good touch and has that bit of quality you need to do well at that level.
“Hopefully he can do the damage for a few years at Wolves.
“He will be a good acquisition.”
The former defender believes Fletcher, who was Burnley’s 12-goal top scorer in his only season at Turf Moor, is the right character to continue developing under boss McCarthy.
Venus said: “He’s a great lad too and he was great to work with. He worked really hard at Hibs and did really well there as a young player.
“He’s just had a great season at Burnley, even though the team went down.
“I’m really chuffed for him. He listened and improved at Hibs and now he’s getting his rewards for all the hard work he put in.
“But more than anything he has a lovely attitude and he will be great for the club.
“He wanted to play in the Premier League and I’m pleased his career is moving in the right direction.”
Venus, who spent nine years at Wolves, also believes the 6ft 1ins forward is a versatile performer.
He added: “Steven is also mobile and versatile and can play anywhere across the front line – he’s not just a standard centre forward who gets hold of it and lays it off.”
Wolves moved for Fletcher after missing out on £3million target Aruna Dindane, who accepted a lucrative offer to play in Qatar when a medical had been arranged for him at Molineux.
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