In a statement released on the Clubs Official Web Site, Chairman Jeff Mostyn is quoted as saying:
I cannot think of a more worthy winner of the prestigious Football League Sir Tom Finney Award than Steve Fletcher.
Sir Tom was the epitome of a one club man and loyalty personified - everything he did was for his club and country. For Steve to be the first recipient of this award is a huge honour for both him and the football club he has served so loyally for over 20 years.
When I first arrived at the club in the autumn of 2006, Steve was at the latter end of his distinguished career, nevertheless he was still a towering influence both in the dressing room and within the community.
I was so impressed with his professionalism, dedication and his insatiable appetite to remain an important part of the team.
Steve would often be the first on the training pitch and the last to leave, setting an amazing example to the junior members of the squad. You only had to look at his physique to see how much effort he had put in to remain fit.
For someone who was approaching 40 and had played over 700 first class games Steve was an inspiration to all those around him, he was driven by pride and a desire to continue playing at the highest level possible.
Steve finally hung up his boots after playing 836 career games scoring 134 goals, of which 728 and 121 goals were in Cherries colours. This incredible record is unlikely to ever be surpassed.
Having retired from playing, Steve’s presence at the club is still as influential as ever in his recruitment and ambassadorial roles.
In addition to supporting Eddie Howe, Steve’s role in the community is as strong as ever, willingly giving up his time in community supporting, hospitals, hospices, schools and their education programmes, covering internet security, and social behavioural problems. Indeed Steve is always the first person to put his name forward to assist others.
It is an absolute privilege for me to work with the consummate professional.
It is going to be a real privilege as Chairman of the football club to be present along with my fellow directors and staff at the Football League’s award ceremony on Sunday evening to see Steve collect his award.
On behalf of everyone associated with the Football Club and the community, may I offer Steve our congratulations and gratitude for over 20 years of dedication.
Jeff Mostyn