Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has dubbed the club's successful rescue mission 'The Greatest Escape'.
The Black Cats secured their Barclays Premier League status with a 2-0 victory over West Brom just weeks after looking destined to slip back into the Football League.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Sunday afternoon's final-day clash with Swansea, he said: "This has been by far the best season I have ever had during my involvement with the club.
"The highs have been so high, but unfortunately the lows have also been so low.
"When (manager) Gus (Poyet) arrived at the club, it was at a low ebb, but he and his staff galvanised the squad and what they and the players have achieved will be written in football history.
"It is something special, something against the odds - a quite remarkable renaissance. Not only have we survived, but we have done so with a game to spare.
"I wouldn't call this 'The Great Escape' I would describe it as 'The Greatest Escape'."
Short's comments came amid speculation that Poyet could leave the club this summer after being linked with possible vacancies at Southampton and West Ham.
Source: PA
