Clement proud as Swansea clinch Premier survival

Paul Clement declared himself a proud man after Swansea won their fight to stay in the Premier League.

Hull’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace yesterday saw the Tigers join Middlesbrough and Sunderland in the Sky Bet Championship next season.

Swansea had piled the pressure on Hull by winning 2-0 at Sunderland on Saturday and Clement – who became the club’s third manager of the season in January – was delighted that Palace had removed the lingering fears of relegation.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved in the second half of the season,’’ Clement enthused. “Especially when you put into context where we were when I arrived – bottom of the table with just 12 points from 19 games.

“It’s been a collective effort from everyone connected to the club; so congratulations to the players, backroom staff, club staff and definitely our supporters for their help in getting us over the line.

“I honestly thought it would go down to the last game. But credit to the players for showing the form they have over the last four games to pick up 10 points from a possible 12

“They deserve to be where they are – playing in the Premier League again.’’

Swansea suffered a torrid first half of the season in which both Francesco Guidolin and Bob Bradley were sacked, the latter after only 85 days.

Clement took over a team who had won only three league matches when he was appointed on January 3. But Swansea then won five of their next eight games and Clement was named Premier League manager of the month for January.

However, a six-game winless run, five of which were defeats, plunged Swansea back into the bottom three. But wins over Stoke, Everton and Sunderland and a draw at Manchester United took Swansea’s points tally to 38 ahead of this coming weekend’s finale.

“I’m not complaining it hasn’t gone to the last game as I predicted,’’ joked Clement.

“And I’m sure the fans will feel the same way after everything they’ve been through this season. Our supporters have been amazing. It’s been tough for them at times, but they’ve stuck with us all the way and I’m delighted for them more than anyone.

“We will be aiming to finish the season strongly and reach 41 points. Then we can look forward and make sure we are stronger next season.”