Steven Fletcher
Former Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher has shared insights into his unexpected loan move to French club Marseille, a decision that unfolded during the late stages of the 2016 winter transfer window. After falling out of favor with then-Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, Fletcher found himself seeking new opportunities, ultimately leading to his temporary switch to Ligue 1.
Steven Fletcher said: “I started that season relatively well. Me and Jermain were playing up front together. I got injured just before January and it was only a little niggle. I only missed like two or three games. Big Sam was the gaffer. When he came in, I thought brilliant jackpot for me. Then he was playing his little and large. It was me and Jermain, so it was great. Obviously, Jermain, what a player, do you know what I mean? It was great for me to play up front with him. I got injured just like maybe a month before January. And when I came back, he changed the formation, so it was only one up front because I was injured. They started winning a few games, and I couldn’t get back in the team.”
Fletcher’s tenure at Sunderland saw him net 23 goals in 94 appearances. However, as Jermain Defoe became the preferred choice in the starting lineup, Fletcher’s opportunities dwindled. This shift in dynamics paved the way for his eventual departure.
Steven Fletcher said: “Got all the way to January and I still wasn’t playing but I didn’t really think I’m going to leave. Sunday night, I’m lying in bed. I like an early bed. I go to bed early. It was a running joke in the Wrexham thing that it was the granddad’s gone to bed but I’ve done it most of my career. And he’s like, ‘Listen, I’ve just had a phone call. Marseille want you to go on loan, but you need to go into training tomorrow and tell the gaffer you want to go.’”
Initially, Allardyce was hesitant to let Fletcher leave, citing the need for a replacement. However, after some negotiation, Fletcher was allowed to make the move. The striker’s announcement to his Sunderland teammates was met with enthusiasm, particularly from the French players in the squad.
Steven Fletcher said: “I’ve sat down. He just said we can’t let you go. My face dropped. ‘Go and say bye to the lads, big man. You can go.’ We’ve got loads of French lads at the time, so I’m like to the lads, ‘I’m going to Marseille.’ They just jumped on me, and they’re all singing that Marseille Allez, and they’re all bouncing, shouting. I don’t even know what they’re singing. I’m singing with them, gaffer’s office right above us, I’m like, right, I can’t be that excited. So then I’ve got changed straight to the private airport, and there was a jet waiting for me. Madness.”
During his loan spell at Marseille, Fletcher made 12 appearances and scored twice, including participating in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the team’s 4-2 defeat, Fletcher’s experience in France was a notable chapter in his career.
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