Speaking exclusively to the Echo at the launch of AFC Bournemouth’s sponsorship deal with Mr Q, Cherries legend Fletcher said he’s been impressed by Rose’s attitude since he arrived to replace Liverpool-bound Andoni Iraola.
In front of Mr Q’s towel mosaic on Bournemouth Beach, Fletcher also shared his excitement for the club’s first venture into Europe, and what that experience will be like for supporters.
He said: “When people at the top end of the club, like [president of football operations] Tiago Pinto, were looking for a manager to replace Andoni, they were looking for someone who buys into our way of playing.
“You can’t just have a squad of players that you’ve built over many years, only to have a manager come in and play a totally different style of football — it wouldn’t work.
“Marco Rose plays in a style that will suit all the players.
“He’ll be a little bit different to Andoni and tweak things here and there, but all managers are different, just like Eddie Howe and Iraola were.
“Marco Rose met Andoni and they embraced each other, and that’s a massive part of what this football club is about.
“Rose also wanted to meet me and pick my brains about the history of the football club and the local area — that says everything about the man.
“Football is about results, we all know that, but if his humanity is anything to go by, then he’ll be a great success at the Cherries, and I can imagine the fans loving him as a person.”
Fletcher highlighted the importance of recruitment, so the Cherries can continue to progress playing an attacking style of football.
“You’ve got to bring in the type of player that suits the style of the team,” he added.
“When you lose someone like Antoine Semenyo, you bring Rayan into the club because he’s a fast, attacking, and a direct winger — everything Antoine was.
“We need the right players to keep what we have going, which is the fast, aggressive football that we play.”
Fletcher, AFC Bournemouth’s record league appearance holder, reflected on how far the club’s come since he led the line for the Cherries — and looked forward to the club’s first season in Europe.
“There’s not one person who supports the Cherries who could have ever dreamed of this.
“Don’t get me wrong, they still talk about the old times fondly, but this is where the club have never really been before, finishing in the top six of the Premier League and playing in Europe.
“Fans need to soak it up, drink it in, and live it, because as I always say, don’t take this for granted, this is not normal for AFC Bournemouth.
“Enjoy and cherish every single moment, cherish it, and tell your children and grandchildren about this golden era.”