Paul Clement has admitted Swansea City found the exit to their escape tunnel a week earlier than he had predicted.
The Swansea City coach believed the club’s relegation battle would go right down to the final day of the season.
Instead, the Swans won their fight to stay in the Premier League on Sunday after Hull suffered a 4-0 defeat away at relegation rivals Crystal Palace.
Swansea were four points adrift at the bottom of the table when Clement replaced Bob Bradley as manager in January and the former Bayern Munich assistant coach says he never gave up hope of securing safety.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved in the second half of the season,” Clement told the official Swansea website.
“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 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.”
Swansea will now play in the Premier League for a seventh successive season and Clement is looking forward to a victorious homecoming when the Swans face West Brom at the Liberty Stadium next Sunday.
“I’m not complaining it hasn’t gone to the last game as I predicted,” he joked. “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.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying the last game of the season with them at the Liberty on Sunday. It should be a fantastic atmosphere.
“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.”
