Thursday 21 December 2017 18:25, UK
Sacked Swansea manager Paul Clement says keeping the club up last season was his "greatest achievement as a coach".
Clement has expressed regret at his departure but stressed that he has had a very positive relationship with the power brokers at the club.
Prior to taking charge at Swansea, the 45-year-old worked as an assistant coach at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Blackburn, and was the manager for a spell at Derby.
He took over at Swansea at the start of 2017 with the club in a perilous position but he masterminded an improved showing during the second half of the campaign which resulted in the Swans retaining their Premier League status.
However, Swansea have struggled this season so far and Clement was dismissed on Wednesday night after Monday's 3-1 loss at Everton left the club rock-bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety.
In a statement released through the League Managers Association on Thursday, Clement said: "It is with great sadness and regret that I have left my position as head coach of Swansea City AFC.
"I would like to thank the majority owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien for the opportunity to lead the team for the past 12 months, as well as the Supporters Trust and the many loyal fans of the club.
"When I arrived at Swansea City on January 3, the team had 12 points and were bottom of the league.
"Together we managed to achieve 29 points in 19 games, culminating in a 15th-place finish and ensuring the club would compete in the Premier League for a seventh consecutive year.
"It was by far my proudest and greatest achievement as a coach.
"However, this season, in very challenging circumstances, I was unable to replicate the positive results.
"Behind the scenes, I worked with some great people. I enjoyed a very positive relationship with the chairman Huw Jenkins, who I know cares deeply about the football club.
"I thank the players for their efforts and wish them the all best for the future. I now look forward to my next challenge in football management.
"Good luck Swansea City AFC."
