‘He’s been great for me, I am so grateful and he is the best manager I have played under.’
These were the words of Wycombe’s number nine, Uche Ikpeazu, after his stunning goal gave Wanderers an important Championship victory over Bournemouth.
His sixth goal of the season was scored after four minutes which has moved the Chairboys onto 40 points – level with Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday.
And even though relegation looks likely, the Ugandan forward was full of praise for his manager, Gareth Ainsworth, at the full-time whistle.
Uche Ikpeazu's goal against Bournemouth was his sixth of the season (PA)
Ainsworth signed Ikpeazu from Heart of Midlothian at the start of the campaign, and despite an injury-hit first-half of the season, he has come into his stride since the end of December, becoming a key player for the Chairboys.
READ MORE: Ainsworth's analysis on the performance, survival and Woodgate following Bournemouth win
On his goal, he said: “It was a nice goal but the most important thing was the three points and this is a special club, so special things could happen.
“We go out there and try our best so whatever happens, happens.
“But, at least we can say that no stone has been left unturned.
“We don’t give up and we play until the very end.”
He also praised the club for helping him both ‘mentally and physically’ following his move from Scotland.
The 26-year-old struggled for form at the start of the campaign before several injuries came along, meaning that he missed 10 games between the start of the season to December, when Wanderers were in desperate need of points.
Gareth Ainsworth was able to smile at the full-time whistle (PA)
However, top-quality goals and even helping out at the back, has made him a fan's favourite online, and he revealed he puts it down to support from the club’s staff.
He continued: “This club has helped me a lot, both mentally and physically, as there are a lot of good people around me.
“It’s been amazing but not for myself, for the team as well as I have learnt a lot."
On Ainsworth, he said: "I am so glad to play under him.
“He is a top manager, person and he’s always liked me as a player.
“He’s been great for me, I am so grateful and he is the best manager I have played under.”
David Brooks rounded David Stockdale but had his shot saved on the goal line by Anthony Stewart (PA)
Finally, he also believes that Anthony Stewart’s goal line clearance from David Brooks’ shot in the second half ‘won the game’ for Wycombe.
Midway through the second period, the Welsh winger rounded David Stockdale and had an open goal to shoot at.
His goal bound effort from inside the six-yard box was going in, but Stewart’s intervention deflected the ball onto the crossbar and kept Wanderers in the lead.
Ikpeazu continued: “Special shoutout to Anthony Stewart and I’ll scream it from the roof tops.
READ MORE: Live at Adams Park: Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 AFC Bournemouth - Ikpeazu scores a screamer
“That block epitomises what we are about, as we fight to the very end and that won us the game.”
Wycombe go to Middlesbrough on the final day of the season.
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