Steven Fletcher has an uncertain future at Sheffield Wednesday as his contract is up next month. The 33-year-old is an important player to Garry Monk, but he’s struggled with injuries and is one of the highest earners at the club.
After years of overspending, Dejphon Chansiri is now trying to cut the wage bill and lower the club’s operating costs, so there’s a chance Fletcher could be axed unless he’s willing to accept lower terms.
A lot of supporters from Owlstalk believe Wednesday should let the Scottish international leave if his contract demands are too unrealistic for a player of his age.
Soldierboyblue: “I would offer (him) a new contract, albeit Fletcher on reduced terms to what he is on now.”
MrEdwards: “A lot of people saying offer Fletcher reduced terms – I’m pretty sure he would take a better offer elsewhere if we did.”
Wilyfox: “Club right to hold fire, in my opinion. My worry is we hand (Fletcher) a 2yr deal, his knee blows up and the club are stuck paying his wages.”
WalthamOwl: “Really hope Fletcher stays, but also hope he can stay fit for the whole season.”
Hirstyboywonder: “I think he will get other offers, but his age, injury record and the current climate of clubs looking at significantly reduced income (means) he is unlikely to get offered what he’s been getting (at Wednesday).”
Hootie And The Shitzu: “I like Fletcher, but no way would I be sanctioning paying big money for his services. If he stays it would have to be on vastly reduced terms.”
Bouncing Owl: “Current climate, (Fletcher) will have to accept significantly reduced wages. Fletcher can only expect a two-year deal. A three-year deal should definitely be off the table.”
Dagmeister’s Shadow: “Logically there’d be a trade-off between wages and term. I’d be worried if he signed a three-year deal and I doubt it will be an option as far as the club is concerned.”
Blue and white: “Great (player) when fit, but (he’s) all too often injured, (on the) wrong side of 30 and on huge wages.”
Dutch McLovin: “He’s been here four years and only really done anything this last year. He’s 34 and on a big wage. One year on low wages I can cope with, but if he wants more he can go.”
Fletcher joined Wednesday on a free transfer from Sunderland in 2016 and has gone on to make 135 appearances in all competitions, scoring 38 goals and making nine assists.
The 33-year-old was enjoying his best return for the Owls (10 league goals in 2016/17, two league goals in 2017/18, 11 league goals in 2018/19 and 13 goals in 2019/20) before injury ruled him out between December 2019 and February 2020, so he’s still an influential player.
Fletcher has struggled with injuries, however, playing in 123/175 league games since joining Wednesday, so there’s a genuine fear among supporters that the £1.56m-a-year/£30k-a-week striker could miss a lot of games next season.
Fletcher will provide goals but can’t guarantee he’ll play for a full season, so Wednesday’s third-highest earner might be moved on if he’s unwilling to compromise.