By Martin Morgan

Last updated 10:28, Sunday, 24 August 2008

EX-RECRE favourite Richard Fletcher warned he would not go in to his shell if given a rough reception on his return to Whitehaven in the big clash against Widnes.

Richard Fletcher looks to Widnes for his future. pic MIKE McKENZIE

The back-rower, left, became an instant hit at the Recre last term, when he was the only Haven player to feature in the NL1 All-Stars team.

But he left for the Stobart Stadium early this season, in the depths of Haven’s financial crisis, with some fans believing he switched for a big payday at Widnes.

“I think I’ll get a mixed reception,” Fletcher told News & Star Sport. “It will be nice to see people I genuinely got on with at the club.

“I’ll get some boo boys but that’s part and parcel of the job. If anything, it makes you play better.”

Fletcher, who was one of Haven’s biggest earners, sought to put the record straight on his move to Widnes, stressing: "I was released for financial reasons."

He is looking forward to lining up against his old pals in a match that will decide which team finish fourth in NL1 and earns a home draw in the play-offs - if Leigh lose at Batley.

“There’s a bit more in it when you play against friends. It’s more fun and you try to give each other a whack,” he said.

“Howard Hill’s been immense this year. He’s a friend and has always been a 100% player.

“After I left they bought Tane Manihera and he seems to be leading them around the field really well. These are the tough games you want to play in.”

Fletcher lined up for Haven in their 32-28 defeat at Widnes in March, shortly before leaving the club for Widnes, who he reckons have lacked consistency this year.

He continued: “We have been a bit hit and miss but hopefully we’ll find a bit of form going in to the play-offs.”

nYESTERDAY’S Pride of Five £100 winner was J Earl, of Nelson Square, Egremont, with ticket number 2,528.