Steven Fletcher (footballer)

Fletcher, who was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, spent much of his early years living on British Army bases in England and Germany where his Liverpudlian soldier father, Kenny Fletcher was based. His father died from cancer aged 37 when Fletcher was aged only 10, prompting his Scottish mother, Mary, to relocate him and his younger sister Bree to Hamilton, South Lanarkshire to be closer to her family.{{cite news|title=Dad's Deathbed Wish Make It as Pro. He's Was for Me to My Inspiration; STEVEN FLETCHER EXCLUSIVE|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-148813216|newspaper=Sunday Mail|date=30 June 2006}}{{dead link|date=July 2021}} Hibernian youth coach John Park, also from Hamilton, spotted his footballing talent and the youngster joined the Leith club's youth network aged 13.{{cite news|last=Coates|first=Jonathan|url=http://sport.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=169&id=1748102006 |title=Easter Road call-up spared Fletcher a soldier's life|work=The Scotsman|publisher=Johnston Press|date= 25 November 2006}} He was selected for the Lanarkshire Schools XI in 2002 while a pupil at Earnock High School.[https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/driver-steers-select-to-scottish-cup-win-1-952856 Driver steers Select to Scottish Cup win], The Scotsman, 25 May 2002

Fletcher made his debut for Hibs on 10 April 2004, replacing Garry O'Connor for the final eight minutes in a 3–0 Scottish Premier League win over Kilmarnock at Easter Road. He totalled five appearances that season, making his first start on 15 May in the final fixture, a 4–1 loss at Livingston.{{cite news|title=Livingston 4–1 Hibernian|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3712303.stm|access-date=28 February 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 May 2004}}

He became a first team regular in the 2004–05 season, playing 26 times and scoring five goals. His first goal came on 16 October, set up by O'Connor to conclude a 2–0 home win over Dundee United.{{cite news|title=Hibernian 2–0 Dundee Utd|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3744388.stm|access-date=28 February 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 October 2004}} On 19 March, as a 61st-minute substitute for Scott Brown, he scored twice in a 4–1 win at Dunfermline Athletic, also assisting one of Derek Riordan's brace.{{cite news|title=Dunfermline Ath 1–4 Hibernian|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/4359177.stm|access-date=28 February 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 March 2005}}

In the 2005–06 season, Fletcher scored 10 goals in just 1,966 minutes on the pitch, which approximated to a goal every other game. He took on a more prominent role in the 2006–07 season after Hibs had sold star strikers O'Connor and Derek Riordan. Fletcher scored in Hibernian's 5–0 Intertoto Cup win over Dinaburg and played regularly during the league season. The highlight of the season for Fletcher and Hibs was when he scored two goals in the 5–1 win over Kilmarnock in the 2007 League Cup Final.{{cite news|last=Lindsay|first=Clive|title=Kilmarnock 1 – 5 Hibernian|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/6456647.stm|access-date=8 October 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 March 2007}}

Fletcher became Hibs' main striker during the 2007–08 season. He scored his first professional hat-trick in a 4–2 win over Gretna and won the Scottish Football Writers' Young Player of the Year Award.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7388123.stm Fletcher is writers' young pick], BBC Sport, 7 May 2008 Fletcher was touted for a move to Real Madrid due to Madrid's scouts watching him.{{cite news |title=Hibs resigned to losing Fletcher |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7740999.stm |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 November 2008}} In November 2008 it was reported that Manchester City was interested in signing Fletcher{{cite news |last1=Lomax |first1=Andrew |title=Steven Fletcher needs one more year at Hibs, says manager Mixu Paatelainen |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/hibernian/3534902/Steven-Fletcher-needs-one-more-year-at-Hibs-says-manager-Mixu-Paatelainen-Football.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=28 November 2008}} and the Daily Record reported on 1 January 2009 that Middlesbrough were "preparing" a £2.5 million offer.{{cite news |last=Cameron |first=Neil |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/hibernian/2009/01/01/middlesbrough-set-to-swoop-for-2-5m-hibs-star-steven-fletcher-86908-21008153/ |title=Middlesbrough set to swoop for £2.5m Hibs star Steven Fletcher |work=Daily Record |date=1 January 2009 |access-date=11 April 2013}} Towards the end of the January transfer window, Hibs rejected an approach from Celtic.{{cite news |last=Halliday |first=Stephen |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Celtic39s-interest-in-Fletcher-is.4933136.jp |title=Celtic's interest in Fletcher is firmly knocked back by Hibs |work=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Press |date=31 January 2009 |access-date=11 April 2013}} Fletcher then publicly pleaded for Hibs to agree a deal with Celtic, arguing "for the development of my career it is time to move to a bigger club",{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/feb/01/steven-fletcher-hibernian-celtic-scotland |title=Fletcher urges Hibs to sell him to Celtic |work=The Guardian |date= 1 February 2009 |access-date=11 April 2013}} but Hibs refused to sell him.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7865166.stm |title=Hibs rule out Fletcher transfer |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 February 2009 |access-date=11 April 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7865753.stm |title=Fletcher unhappy at Hibs stance |publisher=BBC Sport |date= 2 February 2009|access-date=11 April 2013}} Fletcher finished the season by being voted the Scottish Football Writers Young Player of the Season again.{{cite news|title=Caldwell named player of season|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8044966.stm|access-date=8 October 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 May 2009}}

On 26 June 2009, Burnley offered £2.75 million for Fletcher.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/06/27/burnley-bid-for-scotland-striker-steven-fletcher-115875-21475258/|title=Burnley bid for Scotland striker Steven Fletcher|work=Mirror Football|date=26 June 2009|access-date=26 June 2009}} A few days later, Hibs accepted an offer of £3 million plus incentives based on appearances for Burnley.{{cite news|url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/Fletcher-looks-to-be-leaving.5412924.jp|title=Fletcher looks to be leaving Hibs for Burnley|work=Edinburgh Evening News|date=30 June 2009|access-date=30 June 2009}} Fletcher completed the move when he agreed a four-year contract with the Lancashire club, who paid a club record transfer fee to obtain his services.{{cite news|url=http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~1708497,00.html|title=Clarets smash record to land Fletcher|publisher=Burnley FC|date=30 June 2009|access-date=30 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803000050/http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~1708497,00.html|archive-date=3 August 2009|df=dmy-all}} After the move was completed, former Hibs striker Keith Wright questioned whether Fletcher was ready to play in the Premier League.{{cite news|url=http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Wright-fears-Fletcher--isn39t.5416117.jp|title=Wright fears Fletcher isn't ready to star among elite|work=The Scotsman|date=1 July 2009|access-date=1 July 2009}} His first competitive goals for Burnley came when he scored a brace in a 2–1 League Cup win at Hartlepool United on 25 August.{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8203201.stm

|title=Hartlepool 1–2 Burnley

|publisher=BBC Sport

|date=25 August 2009 |access-date=26 August 2009}} He scored his first goal in the Premier League on 3 October, against Birmingham City. Fletcher was Burnley's top goalscorer during the 2009–10 season, but the club were relegated from the Premier League. He was named Burnley Players' Player of the year for the season.{{cite news |title=Burnley Player of the Year Awards |url=http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~2044757,00.html |publisher=Burnley FC |date=6 May 2010 |access-date=7 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509004801/http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~2044757,00.html |archive-date=9 May 2010 |df=dmy-all }}

After Burnley were relegated to the Championship, Fletcher signed a four-year contract, with the option of a fifth year, with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers on 3 June 2010. He was transferred for around £6.5 million, which matched the Wolves club record.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/8719151.stm|title=Burnley striker Steven Fletcher makes Wolves switch |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2010}} Fletcher scored on his debut for Wolves, winning 2–1 against Stoke City on the opening day of the season at Molineux.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8902043.stm | publisher=BBC News | title=Wolves 2–1 Stoke | date=14 August 2010}} He scored five goals in five league games for the club near the end of the season, including two against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux in the Black Country derby, earning his side a 3–1 win over their local rivals and getting them out of the bottom three.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9474065.stm | publisher=BBC News | title=Wolves 3–1 West Brom | date=8 May 2011}}

Fletcher began the 2011–12 Premier League with a headed goal in the opening day victory against Blackburn. Despite Fletcher scoring 12 goals during the league season, Wolves were relegated from the Premier League. Fletcher submitted a transfer request on 8 August 2012, after media reports linked Sunderland with the player.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19048370|title=Steven Fletcher: Wolves striker hands in transfer request|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2012}}

File:Cardiff v Sunderland Steven Fletcher.jpg

On 22 August 2012, Wolves accepted an offer from Sunderland of £12 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19256084 |title=Steven Fletcher: Wolves accept £12m bid from Sunderland |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 August 2012 |access-date=22 August 2012}} Fletcher signed a four-year contract with Sunderland.{{cite web |title=Fletcher signs up|url=http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2012/august/fletcher-signs|work=safc.com|publisher=Sunderland AFC |access-date=30 September 2012|date=24 August 2012}} He made his first appearance for Sunderland in a 2–0 win against Football League Two club Morecambe in the Football League Cup. Fletcher then scored his first two goals in his Premier League debut for Sunderland, a 2–2 draw at Swansea City.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=345816&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903062743/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=345816&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2012 |title=Fletcher strikes twice as Swans held |publisher=ESPN |date=1 September 2012 }} He also scored once in each of his next three league matches, against Liverpool, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic.{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11695/8083373/O-Neill-Fletcher-great-value |title=O'Neill – Fletcher great value |work=Sky Sports |publisher=BSkyB|date=16 September 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19615139 |title=West Ham 1–1 Sunderland |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2012 |access-date=22 September 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/sep/29/sunderland-wigan-athletic-premier-league |first=Louise |last=Taylor |work=The Observer |date=29 September 2012 |access-date=30 September 2012 |title=Steven Fletcher hits winner for Sunderland against 10-man Wigan}} He won the Premier League Player of the Month award for September.{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/moyes-manager-of-september.html |title=David Moyes named Barclays Manager of the Month |publisher=Premier League |date=9 October 2012 |access-date=9 October 2012 |archive-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227082324/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/moyes-manager-of-september.html |url-status=dead }} After a run of games without a win, an injury sustained playing for Scotland in March 2013 ruled Fletcher out for the rest of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news |first=Louise |last=Taylor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/mar/27/sunderland-steven-fletcher-lee-cattermole |title=Sunderland's Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole ruled out for season |date=27 March 2013 |access-date=11 April 2013 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22199135 |title=Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher undergoes ankle surgery |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 April 2013 |access-date=18 April 2013}}

Fletcher was handed the number 9 shirt for the 2013–14 season, and returned to the bench for a 4–2 League Cup win against Milton Keynes Dons. Upon his Premier League return after a sustained period of time out injured, he came off the bench to score in the 3–1 defeat against Crystal Palace on 31 August. On 27 September, Fletcher was ruled out for "four to six" weeks, with a shoulder injury; the result of a heavy fall during the previous week's match against West Brom.{{cite web |url=http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/september/fletcher-lay-off-confirmed |work=safc.com |publisher=Sunderland AFC |title=Fletcher lay-off confirmed |date=27 September 2013}} Fletcher scored his second goal of the season on 27 October 2013, netting the first in a 2–1 win against local rivals Newcastle United. It was also Sunderland's first win of the season. On 28 December 2013, Fletcher scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Cardiff City.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25474665 |title=Cardiff City 2–2 Sunderland |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 December 2013 |access-date=8 January 2017 |first=Emlyn |last=Begley}} He did not score again in the 2013–14 season, during which Sunderland reached the League Cup final and produced a late run of form to avoid relegation.

On 4 October 2014, Fletcher netted twice and assisted Connor Wickham in a 3–1 win against Stoke City.{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=Alan |title=Sunderland vs Stoke match report: Steven Fletcher back in style to sink Stoke |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sunderland-vs-stoke-match-report-steven-fletcher-brace-gives-black-cats-reason-to-celebrate-first-9774560.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sunderland-vs-stoke-match-report-steven-fletcher-brace-gives-black-cats-reason-to-celebrate-first-9774560.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=The Independent |date=4 October 2014}} Fletcher was at the double again almost a month later, when he netted twice against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. His fifth goal of the season came on the last day of the season, on 24 May 2015, where he scored a header to open the scoring in a 1–3 defeat away to Chelsea.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32770811|title = Chelsea 3–1 Sunderland|publisher = BBC Sport|date=24 May 2015}}

On 25 October 2015, Fletcher scored the third and final goal of the match in the Tyne–Wear derby against arch-rivals Newcastle in a 3–0 win.{{cite news|title=Sunderland 3–0 Newcastle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34564966|access-date=26 October 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2015}}

On 1 February 2016, Fletcher joined Ligue 1 side Marseille on loan until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Welcome Steven Fletcher !|url=https://www.om.net/actualites/223462/welcome-steven-fletcher|website=om.net|publisher=Olympique de Marseille|access-date=1 February 2016|language=fr|date=1 February 2016}} He made his debut for the club six days later, coming on as a second-half substitute for Michy Batshuayi in a 2–1 loss to rivals Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique at the Stade Vélodrome.{{cite news |last= Rodden|first= Mark|url=http://www.espnfc.com/french-ligue-1/story/2804685/steven-fletcher-hopeful-of-long-term-ligue-1-stay-marseille|title=Steven Fletcher hopeful of long-term Ligue 1 stay with Marseille|publisher=ESPN|access-date=12 February 2016}} On 11 February, Fletcher made his full debut in a 2–0 Coupe de France win at fourth-tier amateur side Trélissac, setting up Romain Alessandrini for the first goal before netting himself in the 87th minute.{{cite news |title=Trelissac 0-2 Marseille |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35520192 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=11 February 2016}}

Fletcher scored his first league goal for l'OM on 6 March, equalising in a 1–1 home draw against Toulouse, and added his only other strike for them on 14 May to do the same away to Troyes in the last game of the season, also winning a penalty that he took himself and was saved by Matthieu Dreyer.{{cite news|title=Fletcher hero and villain in Marseille draw|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/fletcher-hero-and-villain-in-marseille-draw.htm|access-date=14 October 2017|publisher=Ligue 1|date=14 May 2016}} A week later he started in the 2016 Coupe de France Final at the Stade de France, a 4–2 loss to PSG.{{cite news|title=Marseille 2–4 Paris Saint Germain|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36211853|access-date=14 October 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2016}}

Following his release from Sunderland, Fletcher joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer on 1 July 2016, signing a four-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11703/10330569/steven-fletcher-signs-for-sheffield-wednesday|title=Steven Fletcher signs for Sheffield Wednesday|newspaper=Sky Sports |access-date = 8 September 2017}} He made his EFL Championship debut on 7 August, starting in a 1–0 home victory against Aston Villa, in which he was substituted in the first half due to a head injury from a collision with Tommy Elphick.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36934929|access-date=14 October 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 August 2016}} On 10 September, he scored his first goal for the Owls to open a 2–1 win over Wigan at Hillsborough.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 Wigan Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37263423|access-date=14 October 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2016}}

On 20 January 2017, substitute Fletcher was one of three players sent off in a 2–1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion, for headbutting Dale Stephens.{{cite news|last1=Gholam|first1=Simeon|title=Brighton 2–1 Sheff Wed: Anthony Knockaert brace fires Seagulls top of Championship|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/brighton-vs-sheff-wed/358425|access-date=14 October 2017|publisher=Sky Sports|date=20 January 2017}} He was punished with a three-match suspension.{{cite news|last1=Howson|first1=Dom|title=Sheffield Wednesday: Suspensions for Owls pair Sam Hutchinson and Steven Fletcher|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-suspensions-for-owls-pair-sam-hutchinson-and-steven-fletcher-1-8348721|access-date=14 October 2017|work=Sheffield Star|date=23 January 2017}} He scored both goals on 4 April as Wednesday won at neighbours Rotherham United, his first strikes since the previous December.{{cite news|title=Rotherham 0–2 Sheffield Wednesday: Steven Fletcher fires Owls back into top six|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/rotherham-vs-sheff-wed/358587|access-date=14 October 2017|agency=PA Sport|publisher=Sky Sports|date=4 April 2017}} Wednesday made the play-offs and Fletcher scored the goal that gave them the lead in the semi-final against fellow Yorkshire team Huddersfield Town, but was substituted before they lost on penalties.{{cite news|last1=Sutcliffe|first1=Steven|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1 Huddersfield 1 (1–1 agg; Huddersfield win 4–3 on pens): Danny Ward's heroics put Terriers in play-off final|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/17/sheffield-wednesday-1-huddersfield-1-1-1-agg-huddersfield-win/|access-date=14 October 2017|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 May 2017}}

On 24 June 2020, it was announced that he had declined a new contract and would be leaving the club on the 30 June.{{cite news|title=Owls 2019/20 player update|url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2020/june/owls-201920-player-update/|access-date=24 June 2020|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 June 2020}}

On 14 August 2020, it was announced that Fletcher had signed a contract with Stoke City joining ex Sheffield Wednesday teammate Morgan Fox.{{cite news |title=Steven Fletcher: Stoke City sign Scotland striker after Sheffield Wednesday exit |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53785241 |access-date=14 August 2020}}{{cite web |title=Fletcher makes it three|date=14 August 2020 |url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2020/august/Fletcher-makes-it-three/|publisher=Stoke City F.C. |access-date=14 August 2020}} He scored his first goal for Stoke in a 2–0 win against Luton Town on 17 October 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54488893|title=Luton 0-2 Stoke |date=17 October 2020 |publisher=BBC|access-date=17 October 2020}} Fletcher struggled with injury problems in 2020–21 which prevented him from completing matches.{{cite web |title=Worrying Steven Fletcher injury update as Stoke City lose another key man |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-injury-steven-fletcher-4850831 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=3 January 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021}}{{cite web |title=Steven Fletcher injury update after Stoke City striker limped out of Barnsley loss |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-steven-fletcher-injury-5042680 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=25 February 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021}}{{cite web |title=Stoke City injury latest as striker knocked out cold at Cardiff |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steven-fletcher-injury-stoke-city-5193553 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=17 March 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021}} Fletcher scored nine goals in 42 appearances as Stoke finished in 14th position.{{cite news |title=AFC Bournemouth 0–2 Stoke City |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56953367 |access-date=18 May 2021}} In the 2021–22 season Fletcher was mainly used as a substitute by Michael O'Neill.{{cite web |title='I won't throw toys out of pram' - Steven Fletcher on Stoke City's young side and taking his chance |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-steven-fletcher-goals-6161147 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=4 November 2021 |access-date=18 May 2022}} Fletcher made 40 appearances, scoring three goals which came in back to back games against Blackpool and Cardiff City.{{cite news |title=Stoke City 3-3 Cardiff City |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59018933 |access-date=18 May 2022}}{{cite news |title=Blackpool 0–1 Stoke City |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59059051 |access-date=18 May 2022}} Fletcher was released by Stoke at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2022/may/10/club-confirm-quartet-to-leave/|title=Club confirm quartet to leave|website=www.stokecityfc.com|date=10 May 2022|accessdate=10 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Stoke City striker confirms summer exit with classy post to fans and teammates |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/stoke-city-transfer-steven-fletcher-7057657 |website=Stoke City |date=9 May 2022 |access-date=18 May 2022}}

Fletcher signed for Dundee United on a two-year contract in July 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62080878 |title=Dundee Utd: Steven Fletcher signs two-year deal with Dylan Levitt set to follow |first=Jonathan |last=Sutherland |website=BBC Sport |date=7 July 2022 |accessdate=7 July 2022}} After scoring 10 goals in 39 games, Fletcher would leave the club by mutual consent on 27 June 2023 following United's relegation to the Scottish Championship.{{Cite web |last=Temple |first=Alan |date=2023-06-27 |title=Steven Fletcher latest to leave Dundee United as Tannadice exodus continues |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/4513729/steven-fletcher-latest-to-leave-dundee-united-as-tannadice-exodus-continues/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}

Fletcher signed for Wrexham on 8 September 2023.{{cite news |title=Former Scottish international Steven Fletcher signs for Wrexham AFC |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/september/signed--former-scottish-international-steven-fletcher-signs-for-wrexham-afc/ |access-date=8 September 2023 |publisher=Wrexham AFC |date=8 September 2023}} On his 400th EFL appearance on 1 January 2024, he got his first Wrexham and EFL hat-trick, in a 4–1 win against Barrow.{{cite news |title=Sky Bet League Two: Post-match stat pack |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2024/january/01/sky-bet-league-two--post-match-stat-pack/ |access-date=2 January 2024 |publisher=EFL |date=1 January 2024}} He signed a one-year extension with the club on 18 June 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-18 |title=Wrexham's Steven Fletcher signs new contract |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/40377945/wrexham-striker-steven-fletcher-extends-contract-one-year |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He scored 8 goals in 33 games that season in League Two, and 8 goals in 42 games the following season in League One. Both seasons saw the team finish in second place for automatic promotion.

Fletcher was eligible to represent either England, his birthplace and the nation of his father, or Scotland, his mother's home country and his place of residence since the age of 10.{{SFA Profile|id=32648|name=Steven Fletcher}} Fletcher was the top scorer in the Scotland under-19 team which reached the final of the 2006 European Championship, losing to Spain. Following the achievements of the under-19 side, Fletcher was named by The Scotsman newspaper as one of the "ten to watch" in Scottish sport during 2007.{{cite news |last=Coates |first=Jonathan |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/other.cfm?id=5292007 |title=Young, gifted and Scots: ten to watch in 2007 |work=The Scotsman |date=1 January 2007}} Fletcher made his debut for Scotland under-21s in the 2004–05 season.[http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=105&playerID=32648&squadID=7 Steven Fletcher – U20 Squad], Scottish Football Association[http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=105&playerID=32648&squadID=3 Steven Fletcher – B Squad], Scottish Football Association

Fletcher was named in the Scotland squad for the first time in March 2008, for a friendly match against Croatia. Fletcher started the game and provided the assist for Kenny Miller to score the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw. He was substituted at half-time due to injury.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7310062.stm |title=Scotland 1–1 Croatia |last=Moffat |first=Colin |date=26 March 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport }} He was dropped back to the under-21 team in September 2008, but was immediately recalled to the full squad after scoring twice against Slovenia under-21s.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7604013.stm |title=Scotland call up striker Fletcher |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 September 2008 |first=Colin |last=Moffat}} Fletcher scored his first full international goal in a 2–1 win against Iceland on 1 April 2009.{{cite web| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7971845.stm| title = Scotland 2–1 Iceland|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 1 April 2009| first=Colin| last=Moffat}}

After being left out of Euro 2012 qualification matches against Czech Republic and Spain, Fletcher publicly criticised head coach Craig Levein. Fletcher was then left out of the next Scotland squad, although Levein claimed that this was because Fletcher had not been playing regularly for his club side.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/nov/13/steven-fletcher-craig-levein-scotland |title=Steven Fletcher's gripes test Craig Levein's diplomacy skills again |work=The Guardian |last=Murray |first=Ewan |date=13 November 2010 |access-date=14 November 2010 |location=London}} When Levein attempted to select him for the squad in February 2011, Fletcher sent a text message stating that he did not want to join the squad.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/more-scottish-football/text-spells-end-for-fletcher-1.1083032|work=The Herald|publisher=Herald & Times Group|date=2 February 2011|access-date=3 February 2011|last=Wilson|first=Richard|title=Text spells end for Fletcher}} The dispute continued through the remainder of 2011, as Levein insisted that Fletcher would have to contact him first if he wanted to return to the squad.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/15326373.stm |title=Steven Fletcher to make first move towards Scotland return – Levein |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2011 |access-date=12 November 2011}} His club manager, Mick McCarthy, said in November 2011 that Fletcher wanted to play for Scotland and that the situation should be resolved.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/15700111.stm |title=Wolves manager urges Steven Fletcher to end Scotland exile |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=12 November 2011}}

Near the end of the 2011–12 season, Levein advised the Scottish media that he would not pick Fletcher again.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/scotland/9262289/Steven-Fletcher-to-be-frozen-out-indefinitely-by-Scotland-manager-Craig-Levein.html|title=Steven Fletcher to be frozen out indefinitely by Scotland manager Craig Levein|first=Roddy|last=Forsyth|work=The Sunday Telegraph|access-date=13 May 2012}} Following Fletcher's £12 million move to Sunderland in August 2012, Levein re-iterated that Fletcher would not feature for Scotland again whilst he was manager. Levein also criticised the transfer fee paid by Sunderland as "quite obscene" and claimed that Fletcher had made no effort to rejoin the national squad.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19363561 |title=Scotland boss Craig Levein maintains Steven Fletcher stance |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2012 |access-date=30 September 2012}} The dispute came into further focus after Fletcher performed well for Sunderland and Scotland only scored once in their first two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. Fletcher stated on his Twitter account that he would be willing to play for Scotland. His agent claimed that Fletcher had made an attempt to reconcile with Levein in September 2011, but nobody had provided details of how they could meet.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19617378 |title=Steven Fletcher: Scottish FA 'wanted meeting' about cap future |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2012 |access-date=30 September 2012 |first1=Jane |last1=Lewis |first2=Brian |last2=McLauchlin}} On 2 October 2012, Fletcher was recalled to the Scotland squad for their World Cup qualifiers with Wales and Belgium.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12017/8132913/Craig-Levein-has-described-Steven-Fletcher-s-surprise-return-to-the-Scotland-fold-as-a-no-brainer-following-involvement-from-a-third-party|title=Craig Levein has described Steven Fletcher's surprise return to the Scotland fold as a 'no-brainer' following involvement from a third party|work=Sky Sports|publisher=BSkyB|date=2 October 2012|access-date=2 October 2012}}

Fletcher scored a hat-trick for Scotland in a 6–1 European qualifier victory over Gibraltar at Hampden Park on 29 March 2015, becoming the first player to score three in a match for the country since Colin Stein scored four against Cyprus in 1969.{{cite news|last1=Lamont|first1=Alasdair|title=Scotland 6–1 Gibraltar|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32006329|access-date=29 March 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2015}} On 11 October, away to the same opposition with both teams already eliminated, he scored another treble in a 6–0 victory.{{cite news|last1=Lamont|first1=Alasdair|title=Gibraltar 0–6 Scotland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33544029|access-date=12 October 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 October 2015}} He became the fifth player to score more than one hat-trick for Scotland, with the others being RS McColl (3), Robert Hamilton (2), Hughie Gallacher (3) and Denis Law (3).

In May 2016, Fletcher was fined for not disclosing that his wife was the driver when his car was caught speeding on the A66 in Appleby-in-Westmorland. Carlisle magistrates fined him £1,000, in addition to £620 costs and a £100 surcharge, and six points on his driving licence.{{cite news|title=Sunderland's Steven Fletcher rapped for missing post about wife's speeding|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-36396290|access-date=14 October 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2016}}

{{updated|match played 1 April 2025}}{{soccerbase|id=38103}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|20 November 2018}}

:Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fletcher goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/25272/Steven_Fletcher.html|title=Fletcher, Steven|publisher=National Football Teams|access-date=20 November 2018}}

Hibernian

• Scottish League Cup: 2006–07

Sunderland

• Football League Cup runner-up: 2013–14{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26311649 |title=Manchester City 3–1 Sunderland |first=Phil |last=McNulty |date=2 March 2014 |access-date=24 March 2024}}

Marseille

• Coupe de France runner-up: 2015–16

Wrexham

• EFL League Two runner-up: 2023–24https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/april/end-of-season-gallery--relive-the-red-dragons-memorable-season/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

Individual

• SFWA Young Player of the Year: 2007–08, 2008–09
• Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: October 2004, August 2007, February 2008, October 2008, March 2009
• Premier League Player of the Month: September 2012{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3850/Steven-Fletcher/overview |title=Steven Fletcher: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 September 2018}}

• List of Scotland international footballers born outside Scotland

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Soccerbase}}
• {{SFA profile}}
• {{NFT player|id=25272}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20121020070622/http://www.londonhearts.com/scotland/players/stevenfletcher.html Steven Fletcher] at London Hearts

{{Wrexham A.F.C. squad}}

{{SFWA Young Player of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fletcher, Steven}}

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