Uncle Ron himself helped keep the rumour alive with this quote from a statement sent to fans last night;
Steve Tilson and his backroom management are still anxiously searching for a suitable reinforcement in the centre of the park and I, like all our fans, look forward to that happening - notwithstanding the youngsters thrown in the deep end have been very encouraging.
A few Palace fans are fairly convinced we are just not good enough, as Dougie obviously agreed!
That would surprise me. Fletcher is way better than Division 1 (if it was Leeds or Leicester, I could understand it) and would signal a step back in his career. (AJ)
He is on astronomical wages. There is absolutely no chance. Not unless we pay 95% of his wages. If that was the case there would be no point in letting him go. He is more than capable of playing in the Championship. (cpfcben)
No way will he go there (bradpitt, surely a Chelsea supporter)
Far, far too good for them. (thank you, etu)
For those who want something more creative;
From the little I watch of Wales, he never seems to be the 'holding' player I and most people think he is. He gets forward well, passes well and even scored for them a few months back if memory serves right. I'd like to see him in a midfield three with Derry and Carle to replace Soares, if we are still to play the way we have previously. Would be interesting to see how he performs IMO. (Randombly Random)
While a Leeds fan sees possibilities;
Wouldn't surprise me - Southend came in for Jonathan Douglas from us, who seems to be a very, very similar player to Fletcher. (m355y)
Meanwhile Blues fans are, on the whole, more positive; (quotes supplied from www.shrimperzone.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43561)
Good point agreed, but probably bullsh!t like a lot of the rumours posted on here! (An uncompromising opinion from boris29)
Personally I believe that Dougie and Barney will be ok in terms of service as Betsy/HRK (and maybe Scannell) look like they can create opportunities. Question is what kind of player do we want in the middle? Carl Fletcher would be solid and with the amount of goals we've conceded that would be of benefit, it would also allow Macca to get forward a bit more once he returns (and hopefully he can weigh in with a few from midfield like he did last season).
Good signing if we are actually after him and are able to bring him in. (Angell Delight)
Carl Fletcher would be a great addition.
I know some people are saying not another defensive midfielder, we've already got many of these, but in Fletcher we'd have someone who has the experience that the likes of Grant & co lack. (stastki77)
Would be a very good signing in my eyes. Would be someone who would sit in front of the defence to allow people like Macca/Sawyer/Moussa to push forward and support the forwards. (BoyWonder2)
This is also where I think the rumour about us signing a midfielder resurfaced from - and I think they may have picked it up from J's post on here about his little chat with Uncle Ron. (Teeside Shrimper; not from me, always made clear the source was a guy who is usually reliable.)
So I think that puts this one to bed to resurrect if it ever happens. In the meantime a small matter of Hereford and a vital three points to come first.
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!