Struggling Blackpool will get better - Fletcher

Ashley Fletcher has two goals for Blackpool this season

Blackpool striker Ashley Fletcher insists Steve Bruce's side are stronger than last season – even though they are next to bottom in League One.

The Seasiders have managed just four points from their first seven league games this term after finishing ninth last season.

Fletcher, who scored his second goal of the season in the 5-0 midweek win over Barrow in the EFL Trophy, claims it is down to the players to prove they are better.

"There's no getting away from it, the start to the season has been tough," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"No excuses, but there have been different factors – injuries, suspensions, stuff like that - so our season hasn't really got going.

"Everything was so positive going into this season with the new players coming in. I do believe we have a stronger squad than last season, so we just need to find that consistency.

"As soon as we get the first few results on the board, and that bit of confidence, I think we'll be fine.

"It's about us putting it together and getting the best out of each other."

Fletcher, 29, who came through Manchester United's academy, says Blackpool must build on their win over Barrow for Saturday's visit of Barnsley to Bloomfield Road.

"There's no point in us winning 5-0 in midweek and then going into the weekend and not getting a positive result," said the former Middlesbrough striker. "That's the pressure we put on ourselves.

"We know we haven't been anywhere near good enough in the first five or six games, but the season's still young and we truly believe if we put some good results together, we can start climbing the table and get where we need to be."