An outside left, Fletcher began his career at Clapton Orient and failed trials with Football League clubs Aston Villa and Plymouth Argyle, before signing with Third Division South club Crystal Palace in 1928. He made seven league appearances during the 1928–29 season, before moving to division rivals Merthyr Town in August 1929. Fletcher returned to Clapton Orient, who had by then been relegated to the basement division, in 1930. He became a regular at the Lea Bridge Stadium and scored 32 goals in 120 league matches to earn the nickname "Thunderboots".
