Darren Fletcher: Coaching can wait, I want to play!
Captain Darren Fletcher has admitted coaching can wait – as he looks to complete a fine first full season with Albion.
The 32-year-old has a long-stated ambition to become a manager when he hangs up his boots and completed several of his coaching badges during time out of the game battling ulcerative colitis.
But Fletcher has been a key player for the Baggies since joining from Manchester United in January 2015 and admits that, right now, he's having far too much fun playing to think too seriously about the long-term future.
"There's been a little insight into it and there's been discussions into maybe doing a bit with the younger kids in the afternoon, but I'm so keen on playing just now," said the Scot.
"I'm focused on that, so it's easier said than done, my focus is on playing.
"That is something that I will look to do, it's not happened as of yet and all that side of things have been put to the side because I've got so many games and I'm enjoying every minute of playing football just now.
"Hopefully that's down the line for me in the future."
Fletcher took an extended break from football in December 2011 and underwent surgery to treat the disease in January 2013.
He revealed the illness, which at one stage threatened his career, gave him the determination to get back playing.
"I missed the buzz and the challenge of going out on the pitch and winning a football match," he said.
"I missed that playing. Training's fine, and being at a great club's fine, but it's irrelevant.
"The most important thing is getting out on that pitch and playing and pitting yourselves against a fellow midfielder or finding a way to win a game.
"That satisfaction on the weekend of getting those three points, nothing beats it."
