Monday May 12 2008 07:29
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was elated after seeing his side secure Premier League survival by completing a great escape with a 1-0 victory over
Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
A Danny Murphy goal 14 minutes from time proved decisive on a tension-packed afternoon, with Hodgson's side beating the drop on the back of a run of four win in five games at the end of a tough campaign.
Hodgson said after the final whistle: "I have had great support from everyone, not least all the staff and the administrative people. And the players, quite simply, since we have decided on our best team, have been magnificent.
"I am very impressed. Had we thrown in the towel I don't think many people would have been too surprised.
"You read headlines that we were dead people walking and waiting for the season to end, but we have done much better than that and done it by playing well and working hard.
"All the games where we have got good results, I don't think anyone can say we didn't deserve it."
Hodgson also took time out to show sympathy for both Birmingham City and Reading, who were relegated as a result of the Cottagers' victory.
He added: "I know exactly how Alex McLeish and Steve Coppell are feeling, because the same sorts of thoughts were going through my head during the game.
"I am good friends with both of them and I feel sorry for them because going down is a horrible feeling.
"This is a great feeling of relief. So many millions of thoughts go through your head when you're a manager and it's a great feeling of relief to get the result and stay in the Premier League."
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