Escape Artists

We look back at some of the Premier League's most successful relegation dodgers.

Fulham were the Harry Houdini's of the 2007/08 season following a breathtaking run in, culminating in a heart-stopping finale. Ahead of their trip to Portsmouth, the Cottagers had won three of their previous four matches, losing only to Liverpool, and possessed a Lazarus-like spirit which saw them come back to win from two goals behind against Manchester City.

The tense affair at Fratton Park was settled after Danny Murphy's 76th minute header beat Pompey's Jamie Ashdown, which saw Roy Hodgson's side win three consecutive away matches for the first time in their Premier League history. By virtue of their slightly better goal difference, Fulham avoided the drop, condemning Reading and Birmingham City in the process.

But Fulham are not the only team to have achieved the almost impossible...

1992/93 Oldham Athletic

With three matches remaining, Joe Royle's Oldham were eight points adrift in the relegation zone. To stay in the Premiership, they had to win all three and hope other results went their way. First up, a trip to title-hopefuls Aston Villa, where a strike from Nick Henry earned the Latics an unlikely victory.

Then followed their first win over Liverpool in 71 years, a 3-2 victory at Boundary Park. On the final day of the season, they played host to Southampton, knowing they must win and hope Crystal Palace came unstuck at Arsenal. Palace did indeed lose, going down 3-0 to The Gunners, and in a nail-biting encounter with the Saints, Oldham ran out 4-3 winners, and stayed up on goal difference.

Oldham manager Joe Royle said: "I couldn't see us winning a game of tiddlywinks. But we never gave up."

1996/97 Coventry City

Going in to the final day of the 1996/97 season, Gordon Strachan's Coventry side were sitting in 18th place in the Premiership table. Sky Blues supporters had watched their team's revival in the four matches prior to their relegation decider, including a 2-1 victory at Anfield, which dealt title-chasing Liverpool a body blow. Coventry travelled to Tottenham Hotspur knowing a win would be enough to keep them up.

They went two goals in-front thanks to strikes from Dion Dublin and Paul Williams, before Paul McVeigh pulled one back for Spurs on the stroke of half-time. Goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic kept the visitors in the match, making two impressive late saves, as the Sky Blues maintained their top-flight status on the last day of the season for the ninth time in 30 years.

Coventry goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic said: "No one expected us to win at White Hart Lane but the players dug deep."

1999/00 Bradford City

After a largely disappointing season in the Premiership, Bradford looked destined for a quick return to the First Division. With four matches remaining, the Bantams found some form, and went in to the final day on the back of three successive victories. They entertained Liverpool at Valley Parade, knowing a win would be enough to keep them from the drop.

David Wetherall headed home early on in the first-half, and with the Merseysiders unable to find a reply, Paul Jewell's side earned a second successive season in the highest tier of English football. Their win brought Wimbledon's 14 year stay in the top flight to an end, as they were relegated at Southampton.

Bradford midfielder Lee Sharpe said: "I'd won three Premier League titles with Manchester United but this game was as big as any I played in."

2004/05 West Bromwich Albion

In the 2004/05 season West Brom overturned the old adage that the team bottom of the Premier League at Christmas would be relegated. The Baggies became the first to reverse that statistic; thanks largely to a 2-0 home win over Portsmouth on the last day. Despite starting the day at the bottom of the table, a run of results had given Bryan Robson's men some hope. With the Midlanders, Southampton, Norwich City and Crystal Palace all unsafe, hearts would be broken for three while one would survive.

Goals from Geoff Horsfield and Manchester United loanee Kieran Richardson gave the Baggies the win they desperately needed. Their victory, coupled with defeats for Norwich and Southampton, as Crystal Palace only drew at Charlton, meant West Brom defied the drop with just 34 points, the lowest 'safe' points total in Premier League history.

Captain Kevin Campbell said: "If results had gone our way and we hadn't got what we needed it would have been a disaster."

2006/07 West Ham United

After a bad first eight months to the season, West Ham began to show signs of improvement in March, beginning the fightback with a 1-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers. That was followed by five wins in seven matches, and the Hammers went in to the last day facing the daunting prospect of having to beat newly-crowned champions Manchester United at Old Trafford to avoid the drop.

Their saviour, Carlos Tevez, who would leave the East Londoners to join United the following season, scored the winning goal to spare West Ham's blushes. Their surprise victory, coupled with Wigan Athletic's 2-1 victory over Sheffield United saw the Hammers pull off a surprise escape while the Blades joined the Championship.

West Ham's manager, Alan Curbishley said: "People said if we could get some results I'd see the difference in the players, and that's what happened."

McShane determined to bounce back

Paul McShane has vowed to emerge stronger from his difficult Barclays Premier League baptism with Sunderland.

The 22-year-old defender has won plaudits from new Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni in the last week for his performances in the two training games his side played during their trip to Portugal.

However, McShane will head back to Sunderland for the start of pre-season training knowing he will have to prove himself to club manager Roy Keane all over again.

McShane, a £2.5million signing from West Bromwich Albion in July last year, began the season in good form despite playing out of position at right-back as his club got off to a promising start.

However, as things started to turn for the Black Cats, he found himself under pressure.

learning curve

Sunderland eventually made sure of their top-flight status with two matches to spare, but as the players headed off at the end of the campaign, the talk in the city was of which of them might not return and who would be recruited in their place.

But for McShane, the trials and tribulations of a difficult campaign have simply served as a motivation to improve himself as a player and force his way back into the picture.

He said: "It is probably the hardest period I have gone through in my career so far. It has been a steep learning curve over the last three months or so to see how the game works. I have also had the chance to just sit back and look at our team and look at other teams play.

"I have become stronger from it. It's not a nice thing to do, but that's the way it was. It started very well and I was really enjoying it. Then I found myself out of the team in January and I didn't really get back into it.

"That's football for you, it happens. I did everything to get myself back in, but it didn't happen. But chin up, we go again next season."

Down to the wire

After Manchester United dramatically clinched Barclays Premier League glory on the final day of the season, we look at the other occasions when the title race has gone to the wire.

Manchester United's 2007/08 title triumph was surely one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most satisfying, not least because it was the 10th title won under his tenure, and one achieved with a vibrant young side, possessing the potential to go on to further glory.

But for long spells, United's retention of the trophy they won the previous season looked far from certain. Not least in February when Ferguson admitted his concern at the five-point gap between his side and leaders Arsenal. However, the Gunners' subsequent drop in form, coupled with Chelsea's consistent string of results meant that it was the Red Devils and the Blues going toe-to-toe in the final weeks of the season.

By the time the final day came around, Chelsea had whittled down United's lead, meaning Sir Alex's men were only ahead on goal difference, albeit by a margin of 18. So the United manager knew that a victory away at Wigan Athletic would bring the title back to Old Trafford for a second year running. Hope sprung eternal at Stamford Bridge, but players and fans alike accepted that it was out of their hands as they welcomed Bolton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge.

United were the first to strike as Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 31st Barclays Premier League goal of an astonishing personal season from the penalty spot to give the Red Devils the lead against a Wigan side showing plenty of heart. However, Andriy Shevchenko's goal just after the hour at Stamford Bridge meant that a Wigan goal at the JJB Stadium would have been potentially fatal for Ferguson's team. United's fears were allayed with ten minutes remaining when Ryan Giggs beat Chris Kirkland with a low shot to complete a 2-0 win. Back at the Bridge, all optimism had drained away, and Matthew Taylor rubbed salt into Chelsea wounds with a last minute equaliser as United were crowned best in the land for a second season running.

1994/95 Blackburn Rovers

For pure final day drama, it could be argued that Sunday 14th May 1995 has never been matched in Premier League history. Blackburn Rovers led Manchester United by two points, but had an inferior goal difference. Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn faced a daunting trip to Liverpool, while West Ham United lay in wait for United at Upton Park.

Alan Shearer, one half of the prolific 'SAS' partnership with Chris Sutton, put Blackburn into the lead at Liverpool and news of a goal for West Ham's Michael Hughes had the Rovers fans jigging with delight. However, John Barnes levelled for a Liverpool side with only pride to play for, and United equalised themselves at Upton Park thanks to Brian McClair. The pendulum was starting to swing United's way and they knew that a winner against the Hammers would be enough to seal glory, as long as Blackburn did not find another goal at Anfield. Rovers didn't, and a late Jamie Redknapp effort saw them beaten 2-1, but United could find no way past an inspired Ludek Miklosko between the West Ham posts, despite laying siege on the goal. It ended 1-1 and Rovers won their only Premier League title to date.

Blackburn goalkeeper Tim Flowers said: "It means everything, absolutely everything. We have proved we're the best over 42 games. That's what it takes to win this trophy and that's what we've done."

1995/96 Manchester United

This season was remarkable for Newcastle United's amazing surrender of a 12-point lead over Manchester United. The experience of Sir Alex's side gleaned from previous title races appeared to pay handsome dividends as they relentlessly gnawed away at the Magpies' lead. So much so, that they actually held a two-point advantage over their rivals going into the final match of the season against Middlesbrough at The Riverside Stadium. Kevin Keegan's Newcastle entertained Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.

Sunday 5th May lacked the thrills and spills of that final day the previous season as David May, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs all netted in a comfortable 3-0 win for United at Middlesbrough. Newcastle could not muster a victory against Spurs, going a goal behind to a 57th minute Jason Dozzell effort, only for Les Ferdinand to equalise a few minutes later. It finished 1-1, and Manchester United lay to rest the ghosts of a year earlier.

Ferguson said: "We have shown faith in the youngsters and they have come good. They're a group of footballers who can take us to more success for years and years to come. At times they have been marvellous.''

1998/99 Manchester United

This was United's glorious treble-winning season, but Arsenal pushed them all the way for the title and for a few minutes on the final day, it looked as if they may actually win it. Arsene Wenger's side trailed United by a point going into the matches. United were hosting Arsenal's rivals Tottenham, while the Gunners were entertaining Aston Villa at Highbury.

Les Ferdinand gave Tottenham a shock lead at Old Trafford, and there were rare scenes at Highbury, with Arsenal supporters actually cheering a Spurs goal. However, David Beckham equalised before the break and it was 2-1 within two minutes of the restart as Andy Cole found the net for United. Arsenal had gone in 0-0 at half-time with Aston Villa, but they at least held their part of the bargain as Kanu netted from close-range to give them a 1-0 win. Any lapse from United would have gifted the Gunners the title, but the slip-up Wenger's men so desired never arrived and Arsenal looked on as the Red Devils completed the first leg of their historic treble.

Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: "Unlike finishing runners-up in a cup final, it hurts even more to come so close, when a whole season ultimately comes down to a single goal."

Huddlestone excited about England chance

Tom Huddlestone has spoken of his joy at getting called up for the England squad to play USA.

Huddlestone's England call-up meant he cancelled holiday plans to America - and now he wants to play against them.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder thought he was the victim of a prank when he was told manager Fabio Capello had picked him for end-of-season friendlies but then rearranged his flights when the squad was confirmed.

"I did make holiday plans, for this Sunday, but luckily I was able to change the flights until later in June," the 21-year-old said.

"I'm going to America with one of my friends - New York, Miami and Las Vegas. I'd rather play against them than go there on holiday."

Capello was at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground this month to watch Huddlestone score a penalty for the under-21s in the victory over Wales.

Joe Hart, David Wheater, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott also played before joining up with the seniors for the matches against USA and Trinidad & Tobago.

"It's not just Fabio being at the game, the main incentive is that there are younger players in his squad," said Huddlestone.

"The players in the under-21s know if they play well he won't be shy in giving them a chance.

"But I wasn't expecting the call-up, it was totally out of the blue. I wasn't sure if someone was trying to have a laugh with me when I got the message. I just waited until it was announced on TV before replying to the text message."

Spector backs club mate Ashton

Defender Jonathan Spector is convinced Dean Ashton's long-delayed England debut will be worth the wait.

The West Ham United striker is expected to win his first senior cap at Wembley on Wednesday night when the Americans are the visitors for a friendly.

Ashton had been in line to wear the three lions in August 2006 but found his career suddenly on hold after suffering a broken ankle in a training session as the national team, then under Steve McClaren, prepared for a friendly with Greece.

It took Ashton, 24, a year to get back in the Hammers first team but again fitness concerns robbed him of a national-team debut when he pulled out of a friendly with Estonia a year ago.

But now, 10 months later, England manager Fabio Capello has decided to give him a third chance to represent his country.

And Ashton's West Ham colleague Spector is confident the former Norwich City frontman, who finished the Barclays Premier League season with five goals in the last eight matches, will be able to take it. The USA defender said: "It was really disappointing for him to get such a serious ankle injury.

"It took him a long while to get back from it but in the last few games of the season he was in great form and it is great to see him back in the England set-up.

"He is very nearly back to his best, if not there yet. He is a great finisher - so who wouldn't want that on their team? He has great technical ability as well."

Redknapp plans for future

Harry Redknapp says he will stay at Portsmouth until he retires as he looks to build on the club's FA Cup win.

Pompey beat Cardiff City 1-0 at Wembley last weekend to provide Redknapp with the challenge of European football next season.

Redknapp is looking forward to the future at Fratton Park after being courted by Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur during the season.

The former West Ham United manager was tempted by the offers he received, but admits any future efforts to entice him away from the South Coast will end in failure.

"Any unfulfilled dreams I have left in football can be achieved here," Redknapp said.

"I turned down two exceptional offers in the last 12 months and that was a clear indication of where my heart and mind was. It wouldn't make an ounce of difference who came in for me now. This is where I belong and this is where I want to finish.

"It would have been easy to walk away in the past year and I don't think anyone would have had any real complaints. But, as tempting as the offers were, I couldn't have lived with myself. There would have been a massive sense of betrayal.

"I had to take everything into consideration and I can't deny it led to more than the odd sleepless night. But this is my team and my club and I don't want to stop at winning the FA Cup, I want to build and move on."

Chelsea part company with Grant

Chelsea have parted company with manager Avram Grant after terminating the Israeli's contract.

Grant's future has been under debate almost from the moment he inherited the Stamford Bridge reins from Jose Mourinho and his eight-month tenure is now at an end just three days after his side lost to Manchester United in the final of the Champions League.

Despite the constant questioning of his position at the club he has been credited with doing a fine job in taking the Red Devils to the final day of the Barclays Premier League title race and narrowly missing out on European glory on penalties.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Avram Grant has had his contract as manager terminated today [Saturday]. This follows meetings over the last two days.

"Everybody at Chelsea FC would like to thank Avram for his contribution since taking over as manager last September.

"We will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager for Chelsea and there will be no further comment until that appointment is made."

Hull win play-off final

Hull City will play in the Barclays Premier League next season after Dean Windass scored to beat Bristol City.

Dean Windass was the hero as his hometown club Hull ended their 104-year wait for top flight football with a 1-0 victory over Bristol City in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Windass, 39, struck a magnificent volley late in the first half to give Phil Brown's side a narrow win and a promotion to the Barclays Premier League which will be worth millions of pounds to the Tigers.

In a tight match typical of this Championship season Windass was able to produce the one outstanding moment of quality with his 39th-minute strike and earn himself another trip to face the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea next season.

Gary Johnson's Robins were only promoted from League One this time last year and despite a spirited performance the top-class experience of Windass, Nicky Barmby and Bryan Hughes in the Hull side proved crucial as they saw out the win.

Hull join West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City to make up the trio of clubs promoted from the Championship this season.

Gilberto calls for new Arsenal signings

Gilberto has urged Arsene Wenger to add to his Arsenal squad in order to keep his young players motivated.

The loss of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan earlier this summer and the possible departure of Alexander Hleb has cast fresh doubts over whether the Gunners will be able to compete for the title next season.

Wenger has the Midas touch when it comes to unearthing fresh talent and Brazilian Gilberto, whose own future is uncertain, admits the Frenchman needs to be at his shrewdest in the summer.

"I think Arsene Wenger needs to bring in some players to compete with the other big teams," he said.

"They have many more players than us. It has been hard for us to fight the other teams because they are a lot stronger and more competitive.

"I think one of the biggest jobs is to keep everyone happy and motivated at Arsenal. Although we played some good football, we didn't win anything."

Gilberto, who spent much of last season on the substitutes' bench, is eager to see out the last year of his contract at Arsenal but has yet to discuss his future with Wenger.

"I have no idea exactly what is going to happen. But I want to stay at Arsenal as I have one year left."

Chelsea target Lampard deal

Chelsea will try to convince Frank Lampard to commit his future to the club by ensuring he feels loved.

The England midfielder will discuss extending his contract at Stamford Bridge after England's upcoming friendlies against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago.

Lampard, 29, has one year remaining on his present deal and he and Chelsea have reportedly failed to agree an extension for more than a year.

He was linked this week with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan but Blues chairman Bruce Buck is confident the player will opt to stay in west London.

"For Frank, the season ends in about 10 days' time, I guess, after the two England friendlies," Buck said.

"We will sit down with Frank and Steve Kutner, his agent.

"We've said along, we love Frank Lampard, the fans love Frank Lampard, and he's a great player. We want him to stay at Chelsea Football Club.

"We're hopeful, confident, that we'll reach agreement with Frank and he'll be here for the long-term."

Lampard will doubtless want assurances Chelsea are planning to strengthen a squad which finished trophyless for the first time in four years following Wednesday night's Champions League final defeat