Stoke City chief executive hails ‘strong character’ Fletcher

Stoke City chief executive Tony Scholes has revealed he was taken aback by the aura of incoming recruit Darren Fletcher.

At the start of the month, the Potters announced they would be signing the 33-year-old on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion, with Fletcher’s two-year contract at the bet365 Stadium commencing on July 1.

Between 2011 and 2013, Fletcher battled back from the degenerative effects caused by ulcerative colitis to resume his career at Manchester United and also captain Scotland, and having now dealt with the midfielder first-hand, Scholes believes his club have made a smart acquisition.

“He comes across as the individual which those of us who follow the game would expect him to be,” said the Stoke chief executive.

“He comes across as a very self-assured, confident, humble – to a large degree – and a strong character.

“His love of the game came through. He still loves the game and is still keen to perform at the highest level for a number of years.”

Fletcher’s arrival is expected to push another 33-year-old – Glenn Whelan – down Mark Hughes’ pecking order but Scholes isn’t keen to see the Ireland international depart for pastures new.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

He said: “You could almost argue that Glenn goes down, pound-for-pound, as one of our best-ever signings, given the appearances he’s made and every summer, we bring players in and Glenn maintains his position.

“He’s been a magnificent servant and I’m sure [he] will remain so unless and until that situation changes.”