Weston-super-Mare AFC forward Alex Fletcher has announced his retirement from football this week at the age of 25.

Fletcher was the subject of national reporting after suffering a near fatal head injury whilst playing for Bath City in November 2022.

The striker collided with a pitch side barrier when playing for The Romans, an accident that saw him undergo emergency brain surgery to remove part of his skull and took away hearing in his left ear.

After going through rehab and relearning to walk Fletcher miraculously found himself back on the pitch just 10 months after his injury, joining Weston in October 2023.

He also took on a new position with the PFA in their Brain Health department, a role in which he travels to football clubs around the country and advocates on the importance of players looking after their brains.

Despite making nine appearances and scoring one goal for Weston last season, along with 10 more loan appearances for Tiverton Town, Fletcher has decided to hang up his boots, this time of his own accord, and will continue his vital work with the PFA.

After the striker’s announcement Weston Manager Scott Bartlett said: “I’ve spoken with Alex many times during the summer. He informed me of his decision some time ago which I know he had thought about greatly.

“He is an intelligent person with a great family, who recently had a very important new addition. That is obviously the most important thing.

“I have not known Alex for long in the grand scheme of things, but he had made an impression on me and the rest of our club.

“He is so positive and has taken everything in his stride. What he went through is common knowledge but largely incomprehensible to many.

“I am sure you will all join me in thanking Alex for all his efforts in a Seagulls shirt and wishing him all the best for the future in what is sure to be a great career with the PFA”.

Weston’s Assistant Manager Scott Rogers, who managed Fletcher at Tiverton as well as Weston, also spoke on the striker’s departure.

He said: “I had the pleasure to work with Alex before and after his injury and one thing that stood out on either side was what a wonderful human being he was and still is.

“Martyn Rogers was a huge fan of Alex whilst he was at Plymouth and tried numerous times to sign him before eventually, we got him to sign for Tiverton. He came in smiling and looking like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth but once he crossed that white line, he was a tenacious winner with a never-say-die attitude and will to win.

“The word brave didn’t do him justice. Needless to say, he hit the ground running, became a firm fan favourite and scored plenty of goals. We knew we’d struggle to keep hold of him and eventually Bath City came calling.

“It wasn’t a surprise to see how well he did there and once again his hard running, endeavour and footballing ability proved to win the Bath supporters over and once again he became a firm favourite.

“We were all devastated to hear the news of the injury and prayed he’d be OK. After he got out of the hospital, nothing was going to stop him from playing football again.

“When he became available and I spoke to Scott about the possibility of coming to Weston, Scott backed Alex’s attitude and ability so much so that he said not to come in on trial but to give him a contract. This I know filled Alex with belief and confidence.

“He scored some vital goals and fitted into the dressing room with ease.

“I still can’t believe to this day he managed to play and contribute at this level of football after all that he’s been through which was a testament to him.

“Alex, we wish you all the best in your retirement. Take care of your young family and we would love to see you at a home game soon to say a proper thank you for your time with us.”