DOUGIE Freedman predicted the darkest days are over for Wanderers after finally chalking up their first win of the season.

Relief around the Whites camp was there for all to see after Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory over Rotherham United, even if the manager played down the importance of the result on his own future at the club.

While many fans remain unconvinced – Freedman is confident that his side have the character to continue climbing the table, starting with this weekend’s trip to Wolves.

“Psychologically it was an important result because maybe for the first time this season we felt that something had actually gone our way,” he said.

“They say you earn your luck, well if that’s the case then I think we earned some by taking the knocks that have come our way this season.

“It wasn’t an easy situation for the players. They were staring down the barrel of a gun (against Rotherham), particularly when we went a goal down. I’ve been in that situation and it is hard not to let it get to you.

“But the players dug in and that was the most important thing for me. I know what I get from them now. I know what I’ll get at Wolves if we go a goal down or if the game is tight.

“I know I have got players who can get me out of trouble – Joe Mason this week, Neil Danns next week. That’s the kind of guys they are.”

Freedman also thought Joe Mason’s hat-trick against Rotherham could be an important event in the young striker’s career.

“It was a great night for him,” the manager said. “I think he’s an excellent goal-scorer and if we’re being harsh, he could have had more.

“He’s learning his trade. That’s what I said to Cardiff because they have got four or five strikers who are ahead of him right now. But he has got huge potential for me.”