Fletcher attack 'upset' Flintoff
Andrew Flintoff came in for scathing criticism from Duncan Fletcher
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Wednesday, 31, Oct 2007 11:03
Andrew Flintoff's father Colin has claimed his son has been "upset" by the public criticism of former England coach Duncan Fletcher.
Fletcher, who resigned his position in April after a disappointing Cricket World Cup campaign, said Flintoff let him down after a series of incidents during the Ashes series of 2006/07.
The Lancashire all-rounder was named captain in the absence of Michael Vaughan but in his book, entitled Behind The Shades, Fletcher claimed Flintoff was a constant problem with his drinking.
The coach even claimed the 29-year-old turned up drunk for a morning training session while in Australia and "could not throw properly" because he was under the influence.
But Colin Flintoff has hit back at the accusations, saying he is "disappointed Duncan Fletcher has betrayed Andrew's confidence".
"What happens in the dressing room should stay there," he told the Lancashire Evening Post.
"That is always the golden rule. It is not right that he has done this. I'm disappointed in what Fletcher has come out with, because there is no bigger team player than Andrew.
"He is a loyal person and he has always given his heart and soul to England.
"He has always played for the team, wanting to help those around him. He is that type of person, putting the team first."
Flintoff is currently out injured after undergoing a third operation on his troublesome ankle but Flintoff senior claims his son will come back fit and firing for his country in 2008.
"These comments from Fletcher have upset him, but he will come back stronger next year once he is fully fit again," he added.