Relieved Reid 'disappointed'

Peter Reid (left) says his side must improve fast

Sunderland boss Peter Reid admitted his relief, as his side avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

The Black Cats went into Saturday's clash with Derby knowing that a point would be enough to guarantee their participation in next season's Premiership even if Ipswich won at Liverpool.

In the event, George Burley's men sank without trace at Anfield and a 1-1 draw with the Rams was more than enough to end the Wearsiders' fears of the drop.

However, Reid, who has been under pressure for much of the campaign, confessed that his team had drastically under-achieved.

"I would say it's been one of the most trying seasons I've had as a manager," he said.

I'm not ecstatic about the season - I'm not saying I'm doing cart-wheels

Sunderland boss Peter Reid

Reid was always confident that his side had enough to get themselves out of trouble, and he was at least pleased they completed the job without the need for any assistance from Liverpool.

"I had a feeling we'd do it," he said. "I'm not ecstatic about the season, I'm not saying I'm doing cart-wheels, but certainly I was confident going into this game.

"I was confident about doing it and that was just being around the players. They've shown a terrific attitude.

"It's two weeks since their last game, but they've shown a really good attitude."

Reid deliberately did not tell the players at half-time that Liverpool were leading 2-0, but he admitted that the message probably got through.

"We didn't talk about it," he said. "I was aware of what was happening at Anfield but we didn't tell the players.

"Mind you, I'm not sure someone didn't whisper into their ears. It's very difficult to keep that quiet."

Derby boss John Gregory values goalkeeper Mart Poom (centre)

Derby boss John Gregory admitted he was satisified with a battling point, but he now faces the prospect of reshaping his squad for a Division One campaign.

Youngsters Ian Evatt, Adam Bolder, Richard Jackson, Gary Twigg and Robinson have given him much optimism for the future.

But he knows he needs to sell one big player to balance the books, although he is determined it will not be goalkeeper Mart Poom.

"I would fight tooth and nail to hang on to him because I believe any successful side always needs an outstanding goalkeeper," he said.

"You don't see many championship winning sides that have a duff goalkeeper.

"Look at Manchester United down the years and Arsenal certainly this season and four years ago when they won the championship, they've had a goalkeeper or goalkeepers who have performed heroics and saved a few points for them.

"It's very important that I do whatever I can to hang on to Mart."