Freddie Issaka was Bristol Rovers' thirteenth signing of the summer and is already buzzing to get underway at The Quarters Training Facility.
The young attacker was one of four additions on a busy Deadline Day at Rovers, moving on loan from Plymouth Argyle. He came after the additions of Joel Cotterill from Swansea City and Stephan Negru from Oxford United, with only Alfie Chang's incoming loan from Birmingham City confirmed after his.
The 19-year-old became Argyle’s youngest ever player at 15 years and 34 days when he took the field as a substitute in a 2–0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newport County and scored his first senior goal in a dramatic 3–3 comeback home draw against Preston North End in October 2024.
It was a quick turnaround for Issaka, who was straight into training with the rest of the Pirates' first-team squad on Tuesday morning, with the winger looking to make an immediate impression. Speaking to BRTV for the first time since making his loan switch, he was eager to get his life at the Gas underway.
Firstly, welcome to Bristol Rovers Football Club. How does it feel to be here?
“Yeah, it’s really good. Obviously, it was quite last-minute, but as soon as I got told there was a chance, I was really excited. So, it's great to be here, I think I've had a good first day and I'm really enjoying it."
You mention the last-minute nature of Deadline Day. What was that like to be a part of?
“They said down at Plymouth that it’s the latest they’ve ever had, so I felt a bit honoured for that. It was a bit mad, but it’s great to be here, and to get it over the line was really good for me.”
It was your first training session today. How did you feel out there?
“Obviously, there were a couple of nerves, and I had to get to know the lads, but I felt quite at home. Everyone was really welcoming, and it helped me a lot to relax and play football.”
I guess it also helps that there were a couple of other additions that also had their first session today...
“Yeah, there are quite a few new lads that I’ve spoken to already, which definitely helps to bond with the team a bit, and I know a couple of them already as well.”
Who were the ones that you already know, and did they say anything to you before the move?
“I know Joel Cotterill from the Wales Camp and played against a couple of the others, but there were no words before the move, as it was that last minute that I didn’t get to speak to them before. But I got to catch up with them today.”
What convinced you that Bristol Rovers was the right step in your career?
“Obviously, I know it’s a big Club, as I’ve played against them a few times, especially a lot of times when I was younger in the academy. I know it’s a big Club who are pushing on to do the right things this season, so to be honest, it was quite an easy decision to make as soon as they were interested.”
You mentioned that it was an easy decision, but this is your first loan move. How do you feel about that?
“Obviously, there are a couple of nerves, and it’s a new experience, but no matter how it goes, I’m just going to try and learn from it as much as possible and try and help the team as much as I can.”
For the fans, how would you describe your playing style?
“Definitely direct and quick. I really enjoy dribbling at players, so for the fans, that’s what they should expect.”
Off the pitch, what kind of personality are you for the players in the dressing room?
“I’d probably say I’m quite quiet, but once I get to know the lads, I’d like to say I’m quite a nice guy. So yeah, I like to keep to myself a bit, but always there to try and help out the team.”
There are only a few days till Rovers’ next game. How excited are you to build towards that and possibly be part of it as well?
“It’s straight in really, but I think that’s a good thing to come in and help the team as soon as possible, so I’m really excited.”
Finally, how excited are you to play at The Mem for the first time as well?
“Yeah, it’s exciting. I’ve been there before, but to be on this side will be a great feeling, and the fans will get behind us. So, I'm excited to see how it goes.”
