Back to the Start
Dorset Magazine|May 2020
Fletch looks back on the day his career as a professional footballer began three decades ago
Steve Fletcher
Back to the Start

The summer of 1990 was a real whirlwind period of my life. I signed my first professional contract with Hartlepool United that May, turned 18 in July and then made my senior debut for the club that August!

Just a few hours before we were about to play at Chesterfield on the opening day of the 1990/91 season, the late Cyril Knowles – Hartlepool’s manager at the time – told me I was going to be starting the game. As I’d only found out a few hours before kick-off that I’d be playing, I didn’t really have time to get nervous.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of Dorset Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of Dorset Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DORSET MAGAZINEView All
Fighting Fit At Fifty
Dorset Magazine

Fighting Fit At Fifty

As the country braces for a lockdown winter, seize the moment to become the fittest you can be – after all age is just a number

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Last Night I Dreamt I Went To Mapperton Again...
Dorset Magazine

Last Night I Dreamt I Went To Mapperton Again...

Helen Stiles goes behind the scenes at the filming of Rebecca where two historic Dorset manor houses play a starring role as Manderley in this romantic thriller

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2020
Painting the Seasons
Dorset Magazine

Painting the Seasons

Nicholas Hely Hutchinson reveals how the changing moods of the Dorset coast and countryside inspire his paintings

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
THE HEAT IS ON
Dorset Magazine

THE HEAT IS ON

Weymouth 51 are blazing a trail through the chilli world with their handcrafted fermented sauces that offer layers of complex flavours from mild and fruity to super-hot tongue tinglers

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2020
Meeting MR FIX IT
Dorset Magazine

Meeting MR FIX IT

Sir Oliver Letwin stepped down as the MP for West Dorset in 2019, but his passion for the county he served for 22 years is as strong as ever

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Wildlife Wanderings
Dorset Magazine

Wildlife Wanderings

David Bailey shares some of his favourite Dorset images and stories taken from his new book

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
SOWING THE SEEDS
Dorset Magazine

SOWING THE SEEDS

The average age of a British farmer is 60, which is why the Melplash Agricultural Society is investing in the next generation of Dorset farmers

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2020
HAUNTED DORSET
Dorset Magazine

HAUNTED DORSET

From spectral Roman armies and duelling ghosts to a beneficent black dog, Jerry Bird explores some of the spookier goings on around the county

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2020
Decorative art
Dorset Magazine

Decorative art

Not simply functional, treat your walls like an extension of your personality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Age-old advice
Dorset Magazine

Age-old advice

Just become a grandparent for the first time? Perhaps you need a little guidance, so here are some top tips about how to embrace your new family role

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020