Former Pilgrims striker is left fighting for his life

Fletcher required emergency neurosurgery after colliding with advertising board

FORMER Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United footballer Alex Fletcher is fighting for his life in hospital after a freak accident while playing football on Tuesday night left him with a serious head injury.

The 23-year-old, who hails from Newton Abbot, was playing for Bath City in their National League South clash with Dulwich Hamlet and the match was just five minutes old when Fletcher collided head first with an advertising hoarding at high speed.

The seriousness of the incident quickly became apparent, as the match was stopped and an ambulance called. The game, which was goalless at the time, was then abandoned as Fletcher (pictured) was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Fletcher’s parents issued a statement yesterday morning confirming he required “emergency neurosurgery to stabilise his condition” and that he remains in a stable but critical condition.

“Unfortunately, Alex has sustained a severe head injury as a result of last night’s events,” it read. “He required emergency neurosurgery to stabilise his condition and was then admitted to intensive care where he remains in a stable but critical condition.

“Alex’s family would like to thank everyone for their best wishes that have been sent.”

Fletcher’s club added: “No further comments will be made at this stage and we ask you all to respect the family’s privacy.

“Everyone at Bath City is sending their unconditional love, strength and support to Alex and his loved ones.”

Fletcher started out in the Academy at Plymouth Argyle and he went on to make 25 appearances in the first team, scoring three times – twice against Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy and once in a 2-1 home defeat to Fleetwood Town in League One in October 2017. He was released by the Pilgrims in the summer of 2020 after loan spells with Torquay United, Aldershot and Tiverton Town and it was the Yellows that he joined next after his exit from Home Park.

However, in January 2021, Fletcher moved to National League South side Bath for an undisclosed fee and he has gone on to score 25 goals in 59 games across all competitions. Social media was awash with messages of goodwill from football fans across the country, as well as clubs, players and team-mates – past and present – of Fletcher’s.

His former clubs were also quick to send their best wishes on Twitter. Argyle wrote: “The thoughts of everyone at Argyle are with you, Fletch. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

Torquay United tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at Plainmoor are with Alex tonight. Sending all our best wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery.”

Tiverton Town added: “Wishing you all the best, Fletch. Your old mates at Tivvy are sending you the best Alex! If anyone can pull through this it’s you.”

Bath’s opponents on Tuesday, Dulwich Hamlet, said: “Everyone connected to Dulwich Hamlet Football Club would like to extend our full support, love and best wishes to Alex, his parents and family, his team-mates and everyone at Bath City at this difficult time.”