Thankful Freddie

MATCH-WINNER Freddie Ladapo was a thankful man after the striker’s header earned a 1-0 triumph over AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League One, Argyle’s first league win of the campaign.

Freddie has been tireless in his commitment to the Pilgrim cause over the opening weeks of the season but luck and chances have not gone his way in a number of previous games. 

Despite some tough times, the former Crystal Palace man feels the togetherness was there for all to see and he was grateful to the Green Army and manager Derek Adams for keeping faith. 

“It feels wonderful, I think everyone’s breathing a sigh of relief, the fans, the players, the manager, every one of us connected with Plymouth Argyle, and we’re delighted to get the win together,” said Freddie.

“[It’s been] very frustrating, the luck hasn’t been there, nothing’s really worked for us and sometimes, even when we were good, the luck just hasn’t fallen for us.

“It’s tough for the manager, he has to deal with everything, but, for us personally, what we deal with is our performance. 

“I have to show some appreciation to him [the manager] because, regardless of whatever’s been happening, he’s shown a lot of faith in me. Maybe when people think, 'its time to drop him or leave him out', he’s kept on having faith.

“I work very hard in training and in matches. For him to keep having faith in me, it helps me. I want to keep on repaying the faith and I want to score more goals.”

Freddie has also thanked the fans, especially, for the rousing reception from the Home Park stands when he left the pitch.

He said: “It was a wonderful reception, I’m sure they’re all happy and can go and celebrate, go down to the bars and pubs - I’m happy for them.

“They pay their tickets to come to watch us every week, they travel high and wide; from close or far, it’s an effort that they have to put in, so it’s relieving to give them that feeling.”