Steve Cotterill has hailed the "wonderful achievement" by his Bristol City team to finish their League One campaign in 12th after flirting with relegation throughout the season.
The Robins sat second from bottom when the 49-year-old replaced Sean O'Driscoll at Ashton Gate back in December and remained in the drop zone until early February.
However, a memorable three months saw City lose just three times in their remaining 20 league fixtures, culminating in a mid-table finish, and Cotterill hailed the spirit of his troops for the turnaround.
Speaking to Sky Sports News following the 1-1 draw with Crawley Town on the final day of the season, the manager said: "To finish in the top half of the table is a wonderful achievement. It was a great effort from everyone connected with the club.
"The boys never gave up and it's great testament to their spirit. We have already started something and now I have to try to bring other players into the squad."
Jamie Proctor's first-half strike had given Town a slender lead, only for Nottingham Forest loanee Simon Gillet to restore parity midway through the second half.
Shane Callaghan
