Tam McManus’ claim that Steven Fletcher ‘would have walked’ to Hibernian prior to joining Dundee United is ‘totally and completely inaccurate’.
That is the candid response of Fletcher’s agent, Scott Fisher, who has represented the former Scotland striker since his emergence through the youth ranks at Easter Road.
Ex-Hibees marksman-turned-pundit McManus stated on PLZ Soccer that Fletcher was keen to secure a move back to the capital but Hibs ‘weren’t interested’.
However, Fisher is adamant Fletcher never had his heart set on a returning to his first club — and insists the full package offered by United made them the clear frontrunners from the outset.
He also revealed that the Tangerines fought off competition from FOUR English Championship clubs for Fletcher’s signature after leaving Stoke City.
Courier Sport understands one of those was Huddersfield Town.
“In terms of them being good friends, I’m not sure how many conversations Tam and Steven have actually had since Steven left Hibs,” Fisher told Courier Sport.
“But most importantly, the talk about how Steven would have walked to Hibs was totally and completely inaccurate.
“Steven Fletcher turned down four Championship clubs in England to join Dundee United and there was a bit of interest from abroad, too.
“There were a lot of factors in that: the manager who went in at Tannadice — Jack Ross is a cracking young manager who had a couple of testing jobs in England. But he’ll be a top manager down the line.
“Then there’s the whole project at United; the fact they have qualified for Europe.
“United’s record last year was a lot better than Hibs — and they are looking to build on that.”
Sentimental
Fisher added: “So, suggesting that Steven was somehow hanging on for an offer from Hibs is off the wall.
“Decisions aren’t made on sentimental values. They are made on what is the best project to be involved with over the next couple of years — and that was Dundee United.”
Fletcher penned a two-year contract with United and is set to make his competitive debut for the Tangerines when they travel to Kilmarnock on Saturday.
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