ARGYLE manager Paul Sturrock led the tributes to Argyle player of the season Romain Larrieu, calling him "a shining light".

Le Keeper was voted number one Pilgrim for 2009-10 by the Green Army, and virtually swept the board in the polls held by the various branches of the Argyle Supporters' Club.

Their choice won the approval of Luggy, who signed Ro nearly nine years ago during his first stint as Pilgrims' manager.

Luggy said: "If I had 11 Romain Larrieus...his attitude, dedication to the cause, commitment to the club is a winner.

"You can't buy that, and he has shown what a true professional can do when he is dedicated and committed.

"He has been one of the shining lights throughout this whole season. There have been certain games we would not have won if he had not been involved."

The newly-crowned Player of the Season Larrieu was thrilled with his award, despite the day being dampened by a loss to Barnlsey.

The French gloveman was the overwhelming winner for the award, voted for by the Green Army, but believed the Pilgrims could have mustered a better result to complete the season.

The visitors needed just a point against the Pilgrims to squash any chance of demotion to League One but left Home Park 2-1 victors.

Gary Sawyer's first-half header for Argyle was cancelled out by Adam Hammill's strike going into the interval, before Jamal Campbell-Ryce struck home to seal victory for the Tykes.

The result meant that the Pilgrims finished their 2008-09 Championship campaign in 21st position.

"I'm not very happy", he said. "We played well for 20 minutes and went in front but we seemed to think that one goal was enough, which is not a good attitude to have.

"As soon as it got to half-time and news came in that Norwich were losing, Barnsley seemed to have a big weight taken off their shoulder.

"We didn't restart too well and we went down another goal.

"It might be a blessing that we ended up where we are in the table. It means that everybody can now realise what we need to do.

"We need to be conscious of, and I think we are, that there is a lot of work to be done."

The custodian believed that being named Player of the Season was a testament to his hard work.

He was not Luggy's first-choice for the position going into the new season, overlooked for the first five games for new-boy Graham Stack.

However, Luggy's men only earned one point from their first five games and were propping up the division. When Larrieu's opportunity arose to reclaim his position between the posts, the Frenchman leapt at his chance, and has remained between them ever since.

"It is a nice feeling when you are recognised and win something," he said.

"I really didn't know what was going to happen this season or what I was going to get out of it. To have played over 40 games is a very nice feeling.

"It's been a tough year emotionally for reasons everybody knows about.

"Back in June last year, when I was recovering from the injury, I just wanted the season to end.

"Now that I am here, having turned almost everything around, it is a nice feeling and I'm looking forward to more.

"I have come back to first-team football on a weekly basis and that's what I wanted from day one.

"I took every game as it came. My shape and form felt right all the way through pre-season, despite the niggling injuries.

"I thought my shot-stopping was good in pre-season and I fancied my chances. When I did get my chance I responded in the right way."

The Frenchman already has his sights turned towards next season and insists the Greens need to continue their bonding if they are to be successful.

"I look forward to next season and coming back here ready to roll," he said.

"Obviously this group, whoever may stay, will now have been together for a season and know each other. That is a major point and it can take you a long way in any league or sport.

"That is one thing that Plymouth Argyle must be relying on in my eyes and it is evident at the club.

"The team is being rebuilt from scratch and it is hard at the moment to get to know your team-mates but that will change going into next season."

Matt Skinner