Nottinghamshire\u2019s Luke Fletcher will leave the club at the end of the 2024 season after a glittering 17-year career at Trent Bridge.<\/p>\n
The Bulwell-born seamer has taken 442 First-Class, 93 List A, and 108 T20 wickets for Notts since his debut for the club in 2008.<\/p>\n
He has earned fan-favourite status over that time as a product of his success, never-say-die approach and personable demeanour.<\/p>\n
His journey began in Trent Bridge\u2019s age-group system before being released back to club cricket at Papplewick and Linby.<\/p>\n
Fletcher was recalled to senior action after a brief hiatus – during which he worked on the gates at Trent Bridge – and consistently claimed a starting spot in 2009, a year before the Green and Golds won Division One of the County Championship.<\/p>\n
He has since secured a further five titles – winning the T20 Blast (2017\/2020), and the One Day Cup on two occasions (2013\/2017) and Division Two of the County Championship (2022).<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a local lad to represent this club is an honour, and I never could have expected the career I\u2019ve had,\u201d Fletcher said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy overwhelming feeling now is how grateful I am for all the years I\u2019ve spent with Notts and the memories I have made along the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cA place is only as good as the people within it, and I\u2019ve had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with so many great people, and creating relationships that I will cherish forever.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s also everyone around the club – from the ticket office to the chefs, community teams, ground staff, dressing room attendants and so many more. I\u2019ve been here for such a long time and it has all meant a great deal to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe backing from members has been overwhelming – I think they appreciate that I am Nottinghamshire born and bred, playing for my home town club and just trying to do my best.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have felt it along the way, and it really has helped – I hope they can continue to support the club and the players in the way they supported me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d also like to thank my family for their support – without their help and guidance, I wouldn\u2019t have had the career I\u2019ve had so far. They have been by my side on both the good and bad days.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst I am sad that my time at the club is done, I couldn\u2019t be happier with everything I have achieved. Trent Bridge feels like home, it always has done, and it always will do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fletcher\u2019s most fruitful year came in 2021, when he was named PCA County Championship Player of the Year after taking 66 wickets at an average of 14.9.<\/p>\n
Those successes came after the right-armer made a full recovery from a career-threatening injury in 2017, after being struck on the head by a Sam Hain drive in a T20 clash against Birmingham Bears.<\/p>\n
He is one of only five men to have taken 100 T20 wickets for the Outlaws, while his eight fifties for the club include two career-best scores of 92.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuke is a hugely popular character, and with good reason,\u201d Mick Newell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has given his heart and soul to this club, forged so many friendships and played with a smile on his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt says a great deal that Stuart Broad – who played with some of the greatest players of his generation – deems Fletch one of ‘the best teammates you could ever have’.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means so much to him to have represented his home county for nearly two decades, and that loyalty has been reciprocated by members and supporters who show him great affection.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis stats and success deserve mention too – he has worked tremendously hard at his craft to be the best he can be, and that has paid dividends.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish him all the best wherever he goes, and whatever he does – he will always get a warm welcome and special reception at Trent Bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n