Sport

Pulis defends Fletcher decision

WEST Brom boss Tony Pulis insists his decision to make Darren Fletcher captain is no reflection on previous skipper Chris Brunt.

Fletcher (right) joined West Brom on a free transfer on deadline day with Pulis believing the former Manchester United vice-captain's experience will play a crucial role in Albion's battle to beat the Barclays Premier League drop. The 31-year-old was named captain for his debut in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Burnley and Pulis explained his call to hand the armband to Fletcher was no slight on Northern Ireland international Brunt. "Brunty was asked to be captain a while back and he took it," Pulis said before Swansea's league visit to The Hawthorns this evening (8pm). "I don't think he has ever said he wanted to be captain or anything like that. He was asked and he took it. "I think Darren has come into the football club and he's got a bit of stature."