'Bright spark' - Blackpool hero Brett Ormerod provides insight into Huddersfield Town's new man Ashley Fletcher
Blackpool icon Brett Ormerod offers insight into Huddersfield Town’s new signing Ashley Fletcher
Huddersfield Town’s new signing Ashley Fletcher never looked likely to miss a chance for Blackpool last season, according to Tangerines hero Brett Ormerod.
Fletcher was recently unveiled as Huddersfield’s first signing of the summer, returning to Yorkshire two years after the end of a difficult loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
The 30-year-old forward has penned a two-year deal at the Accu Stadium following the expiry of his contract at Blackpool, completing the switch after delivering a 15-goal haul in League One last term.
Ashley Fletcher insight
In an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, former Tangerines frontman Ormerod offered an insight into Huddersfield’s new addition.
He said: “He was the one bright spark in what was a really disappointing season for Blackpool. He was the one that stood out, and his goals pretty much kept Blackpool in the league.
“He's been in that striker form where you just never thought he was going to miss. And when he got a chance, whether it was his head, left foot, right foot, he stuck it away.”
Blackpool endured a torrid 2025/26 campaign, flirting with relegation before eventually securing their League One status.
Ormerod said: “His hold-up play, for me, was very important. When Blackpool were playing away, and you’re under the cosh and you can’t get out, when the ball does go up, it’s got to stick, because otherwise it’s coming straight back. Plus, he works the line very well. He puts a shift in as well.
“He’s not one of these that’s just going to point at players and expect everything to be put right to his feet. He just oozed confidence last season and you could see it in him. I can’t appreciate it enough, for him to have that form in the team he was playing in.”
Ashley Fletcher’s career path
Keighley-born Fletcher was nurtured within Manchester United’s academy and enjoyed a productive loan spell at Barnsley in 2016.
West Ham United secured his signature later that same year, but the goals did not flow in the capital. Four years with Middlesbrough followed, during which Fletcher amassed 109 appearances and scored 28 goals.
He moved back up to the Premier League with Watford in 2021, only to find opportunities limited. Loan stints at New York Red Bulls, Wigan Athletic and Wednesday followed before Blackpool handed him a deal in the summer of 2024.
Fletcher has left the Seasiders with a tally of 32 goals across 98 appearances in all competitions.
Ormerod said: “Obviously, as a Blackpool fan and ex-player, I’m disappointed, because he was the one really bright spark in a very, very disappointing season for us last year.
“I just wish him all the best because he’s a great lad, always comes across a really level-headed lad. He’s worked really hard on his game. He got into that form that every striker likes to get in, where you’re that confident, you just don’t think you’re going to miss. To be honest, nine times out of 10, he didn’t.”