Blog: Darren Fletcher - Captain Marvel

For those of you that still question Tony Pulis's leadership, take a moment to consider the capture of Darren Fletcher and the significant impact he has made since his arrival...writes Albion blogger Duncan Hodgkiss

Everything about the move; the approach, signing, captaincy appointment, role given and mutual respect shown throughout the 10 months since Pulis signed him smacks of an intelligent and thoughtful Manager, one who is held in high esteem at all levels of the game.

As admirable and great a servant as Chris Brunt is (and long may that continue), I'm sure he would be the first to accept that Fletch is more of a natural choice as captain and a great leader. If anything Brunt's performances have improved since he relinquished the position, and his whole demeanour seems more relaxed and happier as a result.

Pulis was instrumental in signing Fletcher. From the beginning of the approach through to the conclusion and beyond, Fletcher has made it known he was impressed by and desperately wanted to play for Tony Pulis. He draws similarities between him and Alex Ferguson in this respect.

Pulis made Fletcher feel wanted. More than that, he highlighted a pivotal role and perceived importance not just to the team but the club as a whole. He made specific references to the way he was developed at Man United and the type of qualities required in order to have enjoyed a sustained period with them.

To convince a highly decorated player of such calibre to join what was then a relegation battle was a masterstroke.

The impact was almost immediate. In Fletcher's debut game against Burnley we hauled back a two goal deficit to gain a respectable point. We then comprehensively beat a very good Swansea side, got a decent point at Sunderland and beat another very good side in Southampton after that.

As important as the points was the change in dynamic of the team. A change inspired and led by the new skipper.

What we also began to see was a more authoritative stance and public voice from the skipper, something I think we lacked a little under Brunt. Fletch was quick to defend James McClean following waves of negative publicity and unselfishly offered himself as a figure to absorb any criticism aimed at him.

He was also vociferous and supportive of Berahino throughout the drawn out saga of the summer. He played down criticism and once again deflected any negativity away from the player.

He also found time to mention the grueling pre season training regimen that the players were going through. He stated that he'd never experienced anything like it before and that it was extremely tough.

A few could have seen this as negativity or even a subtle swipe at training methods. Such is the esteem that Fletcher is held in no one, other than the widely lambasted Raymond Verheijen, took the comments that way.

In fact Fletcher went on to praise the new alternative training methods, seeing them as vital in preparation for a demanding Premier League season ahead.

Coping with the new and physically demanding schedules, plus being an ever present since he signed and the additional off field responsibilities is quite a remarkable achievement considering Fletcher's well documented ulcerative colitis problems in years gone by. He has actually overcome three major bowel surgery operations to get back to where he is today.

Captain Marvel has continued in the same vein as last season. A man of the match performance against West Ham underpinned by these stats; 35 touches, 91.3% passing accuracy, 10.87 km covered, 47 sprints and a number of key passes and chances created shows a captain leading by example.

We must also recognise and be grateful for his significant part in the signing of Jonny Evans.

I think we have a great captain in Darren Fletcher, one who is not afraid to stand up and be counted. His humbleness and hard working attitude contribute to a very rounded and balanced individual and one that every player, young or old, should admire and aspire to be.