Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard has paid tribute to the work of manager Roy Hodgson and the club's patience as he recovered from injury.Bullard returned from a career-threatening knee injury to help his side complete the great escape from Premier League relegation.

The Cottagers avoided the drop courtesy of an amazing run of results and their victory over Portsmouth on the last day of the campaign ensured they would start next season in the top flight.

Bullard was sidelined for 16 months with an injury that threatened to curtail his career but his return this season galvanised a Fulham side destined for the drop.

"For me personally, I owe the club a lot," said Bullard. "They stuck behind me, never rushed me and just said 'when you're back, you're back'.

"They've been absolutely awesome and I'm just so happy that I've been a part of keeping Fulham up in the Premier League. It makes it all worthwhile after all the hard graft coming back.

"The manager and all the coaching staff have been awesome. The manager has been immense in every aspect. Have a look at his CV - he's been all over the world and he's a football man. His belief is massive for us."

More Football News from TEAMtalk