Skip to content

Tony Pulis says new arrival Darren Fletcher will be a great influence on his West Brom team mates

Image: Darren Fletcher has been named captain of his new club West Brom

West Brom manager Tony Pulis says he named new boy Darren Fletcher captain because he thinks the former Manchester United midfielder is a great influence on his team-mates.

Fletcher, 31, came through the ranks at United and went on to make over 200 appearances during a long and trophy-laden stint with the club.

However, the Scotland international left Old Trafford for West Brom on a free transfer on deadline day and was made captain for his Baggies debut, a 2-2 draw at Burnley on Sunday.

And Pulis said on Tuesday that his decision to appoint Fletcher was no reflection on previous skipper Chris Brunt.

I always had it in my mind that it (the signing of Fletcher) wouldn’t be just about him playing, it would be his influence, the way he trains, the way he works, the way he lives his life.
Tony Pulis

“Brunty was asked to be captain a while back I think and he took it,” said Pulis. “I don’t think he has ever said he wanted to be captain or anything like that. He was asked and he took it.

“I think Darren has come into the football club and he’s got a bit of stature about himself. The other players have responded very well to him.

“I always had it in my mind that it (the signing of Fletcher) wouldn’t be just about him playing, it would be his influence, the way he trains, the way he works, the way he lives his life. He is a wonderful character and hopefully that will rub off on other people.

“We had a meeting this morning with the senior pros. I have had Brunty in there, Joleon (Lescott), Ben (Foster) and Fletch, talking about little things that I want to be implemented at the football club over the next couple of weeks.

“They are senior players, they have all played in the Premier League for a long time. Darren might be wearing the armband, we might expect a lot of him, but there are other people who can join in and contribute. That is the way I have always been.”

Around Sky