Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher says he has got better since leaving West Ham

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Ashley Fletcher left West Ham for Middlesbrough in the summer.

Ashley Fletcher’s stint at West Ham United lasted just one year, with the striker tempted to quit the club to join Middlesbrough this summer.

Manager Garry Monk was a long-term admirer, having tried to sign him for Leeds United twice last season.

Fletcher has told Middlesbrough’s official website that he believes he has already become a better player since moving to the Riverside.

Fletcher said: “It’s everything I thought it would be. For me it was all about coming and playing games. I think I’ve improved as a player and hopefully I can get a few more – and some more goals as well.”

Middlesbrough paid West Ham £6.5 million to land the 22-year-old, which has not a bad fee for the Hammers considering Fletcher made only two Premier League starts, plus further 14 substitute appearances.

This season Fletcher has made only one Championship start at Middlesbrough, but a further nine substitute appearances means he has featured in all but one of their league games so far.

He has one goal to his name so far, which is better than the blank he drew at West Ham in the top flight, so Fletcher has a little reason to smile at present.

He has to improve if he is to prove worth the £6.5 million Middlesbrough paid, but for him to do that, Monk must give him a fair run in the side.