Steven Fletcher: Wrexham’s leading man in a supporting role

As Wrexham toiled against Burton’s 10 men in Saturday’s lunchtime sunshine, Fletcher’s 71st minute opener from the spot put Wrexham on course for a victory that opened up a six-point gap between themselves and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

It was his eighth goal of a campaign that he had not anticipated, matching his total from last year as Wrexham earned promotion to this level – and making him their leading scorer in the league.

And, as with all bar one of that tally, this latest one came off the bench as he stepped in to replace the injured Jay Rodriguez.

It means a goal every 118 minutes of football, a ratio better than the division’s leading scorers Jay Stansfield of Birmingham City (127) and Wycombe’s Richard Kone.

The leading man in a supporting role.

And not simply with goals. It is his attitude, aura and experience that has benefited Wrexham. A player prepared to lead the line and lead by example.

“He’s incredible,” said defender Eoghan O’Connell of a player who has played more than 200 top-flight games and cost clubs more than £20m in transfer fees.

“His performances speak for themselves. It could have been easy for him to come here, getting to the end of his career, and just fob it off – but he’s just brilliant and a brilliant person.

“The influence he’s had on the whole team since he came here, the way he is off the pitch, he’s so popular in the dressing room, everyone loves him.”