Pearson proud of Saints survival

Southampton manager Nigel Pearson has said he is proud to have kept the club in the Championship after a dramatic final day of the season.

Saints' 3-2 home win over Sheffield United proved enough to stay up as Leicester could only draw with Stoke.

Pearson told BBC Radio Solent: "We've done what we set out to do.

"I'm proud of the team, I'm proud to be their manager and proud to be in charge of a side that can get 30,000-plus to back us all the way over the line."

He added: "We'll enjoy it, but there's a lot of hard work to do now."

Club captain Claus Lundekvam, who is set to retire because of a long-standing ankle injury, said it was vital the club rebuilt over the summer if they are to be a force in the Championship next season.

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"I went though every emotion possible - I never thought that was possible in 90 minutes!!!"
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And he admitted he would love to be part of the rebuilding process in the backroom team.

"It's really strange for me to sit on the bench and be involved from that side of things, but I'm really happy for the boys," he said.

"It was fantastic for the players and the whole club. We can rebuild now in the summer and move on.

"I would love to stick around and help out at the club I love after my retirement. We'll see what happens in the summer."

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