Haverfordwest County AFC are delighted to announce Fletcher Picton has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 19-year-old striker, who has agreed a one-year deal, has been in scintillating form for our Development team this season, with his 22 goals to date helping fire the team to the Cymru Premier Development League South title with two games to spare.
Fletcher, who played his junior football with Neyland before moving to Narberth, is also an accomplished rugby player, and just over a year ago he represented Llangwm at the Principality Stadium in the final of the WRU National Youth U18 Bowl, kicking all 15 points as the Wasps went down 32-15 to Caerphilly.
During the summer, the young forward was contacted by Development team manager, Steve Batty, who was able to persuade him to return to the round-shaped ball – and it’s fair to say he hasn’t looked backed since as he becomes the latest off the Academy conveyor belt of talent.
Some of Fletcher’s stand out contributions this season include a hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Pontardawe Town in September, a brace and an assist in the crucial 3-2 victory away at title rivals Briton Ferry Llansawel in January, and the winning goal in the 1-0 success over third place Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow earlier this month.
Having been invited to train with the first team in December, Fletcher was handed his first taste of JD Cymru Premier football in March when he came off the bench to make his debut against Aberystwyth Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow. Since then, he has featured on two further occasions, making cameo appearances in the victories over Barry Town United and Colwyn Bay.
Commenting on the news, manager Tony Pennock said: “Fletcher has had an excellent season with the 19s, scoring 20+ goals and deservedly making his debut for the first team against Aberystwyth in Phase Two.
“He works extremely hard in training and is keen to improve. After a number of seasons playing rugby, to achieve what he has in his first season back playing for the club is a credit to his attitude and application.
“All of the staff look forward to seeing more of Fletcher next season.”
Sharing his delight, Fletcher added: “I’m grateful for the opportunity that Tony has given me for the next year or so, and I can’t wait to get to know the boys a bit better and hit the ground running in August.
“My first target will be to earn my first start, but I’ve got a lot of work to do between now and the start of the season, and I’ll be trying my hardest to hopefully make that happen.”
Congratulations and good luck, Fletch!
