Sunderland chairman Ellis Short believes that his side have pulled off "the greatest escape" to remain in the Premier League for next season.

A month ago the Black Cats were seven points adrift at the foot of the table, but a run of four-straight wins including victories away at Chelsea and Manchester United has lifted Gus Poyet's side to safety.

Short wrote in his programme notes: "This has been by far the best season I have ever had during my involvement with the club. The highs have been so high, but unfortunately the lows have also been so low.

"When Gus arrived at the club, it was at a low ebb, but he and his staff galvanised the squad and what they and the players have achieved will be written in football history.

"It is something special, something against the odds - a quite remarkable renaissance. Not only have we survived, but we have done so with a game to spare. I wouldn't call this 'The Great Escape' I would describe it as 'The Greatest Escape'."

Poyet has been linked with an exit from Sunderland this summer with West Ham United reportedly interested in the Uruguayan.