SPORT Swans safe as Clement plots bright days ahead
SWANSEA City are staying in the Premier League – and manager Paul Clement is already aiming to keep it that way.
Swansea – bottom of the table and four points adrift on New Year’s Day – sealed their version of the Great Escape yesterday when Crystal Palace’s win over Hull guaranteed topflight football will be back at the Liberty Stadium next season.
The Eagles’ 4-0 victory came on the back of Swansea’s 2-0 success at Sunderland on Saturday, a result that put them clear of their survival rivals and now means they cannot be caught, regardless of results of next weekend’s final games.
Swansea’s players gathered in the city centre to watch the decisive game at Selhurst Park together and celebrated the result that brings a triumphant end to a long and hard battle against the drop.
Boss Clement also watched the match that sealed safety and immediately dedicated the survival to supporters who have had to endure a difficult campaign where Swansea’s top-flight status had seemed destined to come to an end.
But he is already in no mood to rest on his laurels as he looks to build on his remarkable first four months in the job, saying: “I am very proud of what we have achieved in the second half of the season.
“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, back-room 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 of the season. 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.
“I’m sure our fans are happy it hasn’t gone to the last game after everything they’ve been through. It’s been tough at times, but they’ve stuck with us and I’m delighted for them more than anyone.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying the last game of the season with them at the Liberty on Sunday.
“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.’’
More Swans: SportWales and Page 3