So vital we avoid the drop, says keeper Fülöp

May 11 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

MÁRTON Fülöp remained modest after playing a big right hand in edging Sunderland a step closer to Premier League safety, but the Hungarian did nothing to hide the importance of avoiding relegation.

Fülöp’s save four minutes into added time was the decisive moment of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Bolton Wanderers. It ended a run of four consecutive away defeats and put the Black Cats five points above the relegation zone with two matches remaining.

With such a financial chasm separating the top flight from the Championship, Fülöp understands the significance of avoiding demotion.

“It is massive,” he said. “Financially this is the league to be in. If the club was to get relegated, it would lose so much income. It is vital for every club to stay up if you want to build for the future.”

Sunderland dominated Saturday’s game, yet Gary Cahill’s last-gasp header forced the game’s only save.

“It would have been very cruel if it had gone in and we had lost,” said Fülöp. “I felt we controlled the game and that is a nice feeling after our last two games. We were not at the races in those two games.

“We think this is a very precious point. We were well prepared for what they threw at us.

“We will not be celebrating until we are mathematically safe. We are getting there slowly. The other result for Hull (losing to Stoke City) was a good one for us, too. But we don’t look at the other results, we just look after ourselves. If we get a point or a win at Portsmouth, we are nearly there.

“After the Everton game, the dressing room was like a cemetery but now it is a much happier place.” Of his save, he simply said: “That is what I am there for, to back up the team.

“I am really glad it helped us get a point. I got some praise in the dressing room and that was a nice feeling. But it wasn’t just me, everyone worked their socks off.

“I suppose we could have made ourselves safe with a win, but the main thing is we got something. Before it, we would have been happy with a draw.

“We know how much it means to the fans to stay in the Premier League.”