Jack Cork says Swansea City’s players are delighted to have put the smiles back on the fans’ faces – but insists the job is not yet done.
The skipper has helped steer to the club to 15th in the Premier League – their highest placing since September – after a run of four wins in six games.
It is a remarkable turnaround since the start of the year when the Swans were bottom, four points from safety, and just about every pundit’s prediction for the drop.
But the appointment of new manager Paul Clement has sparked a remarkable recovery and boosted hopes of retaining that coveted top-flight status.
“We were bottom of the league not so long ago and we have been written off for most of the season,” said Cork, 27.
“But we have turned things around and to see everyone happy and behind us again is quite emotional for all the players because we were in a bad position just a few weeks ago.
“To move up to 15th place is a big achievement for us – although we all know there is still a lot of work to be done.
“We have had a tough few months, but it is a great feeling for everyone to start winning games again. It makes everyone’s weekend and we want that feeling to continue.”
The Swans had just 12 points when they reached the 19-game mid-way point of the season on New Years’ Eve with the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.
But in the six games since they have collected 12 points to go from being four points adrift to four points above the drop zone.
Clement rewarded the players with a few days off after the 2-0 win over Leicester as they prepare to travel to leaders Chelsea on Saturday week.
Cork, speaking to swanseacity.net, added: “Hopefully the Leicester result can be a key point in our season.
“We have had a really great spell since the win at Crystal Palace. We are working hard, everyone believes in each other and we are playing with much more confidence at the minute.
“Defensively we are a lot more organised. I think we deserve the success we’ve had because we are working really hard, and fair play to the lads who got the goals against Leicester.
“We held our shape well when we went two goals up and I think we deserved the win.
“I think having that belief has turned us around. In every game we are focusing on the performance, not the result, and that is paying off for us.”