Lewington also revealed his surprise that it was Danny Murphy who got the goal on the final day to earn Fulham the 1-0 victory against Portsmouth that sealed their survival.

"That's the first time I've seen Danny head a ball, he doesn't even head the ball in training let alone a match!" he added.

"He wasn't supposed to be in there anyway. On an ordinary day I think the manager Roy Hodgson might have something to say about that because he's normally very strict on things like that.

"But we're thankful that he's used his brains and got in there and put it away."

Lewington also heaped praise on Hodgson, who took over the west London club when they were already in the relegation zone.

"You can't measure what he's done. With Roy, he doesn't come out and tell people how good he is," added Lewington.

"He's the hardest working manager that I've ever come across, he's a terrific coach and he had tunnel vision.

"The players realise this man knows his stuff and start to buy into it. He deserves unbelievable credit."