By Aston Villa FC

Conor Hourihane was overjoyed after Aston Villa secured their Premier League status at the end of a “rollercoaster” season.

 

A nervy 1-1 draw with West Ham at London Stadium was enough to see the club finish one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

 

And the relief was palpable for Hourihane, who spoke to Villa TV after the game.

 

He said: “I’m over the moon. I’m delighted for the lads, the club, the fans, and it was just amazing to get over the line.

 

“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions with last-minute defeats, ups and downs and we’ve not been consistent enough over the season.

 

“Being in the middle of the pitch with staff, players and all the injured lads at the end of the game – we were just over the moon. It hasn’t really sunk in.”

 

Villa fans around the world watched on anxiously as events from east London unfolded, with results elsewhere adding to the drama.

 

Hourihane felt the nerves himself once he took a place on the bench following his substitution in the 76th minute, but having secured the result they needed, the Irishman feels Villa can look ahead to next season with fresh optimism.

 

“On the pitch, it (the nerves) wasn’t too bad and then with 15 minutes to go I got taken off and it was a nightmare because you can’t affect the game,” he said.

 

“We were getting results and updates every other minute. When you’ve come off and people are giving you updates, it was heart attack stuff.

 

“I’m delighted for the club. It’s a massive, massive football club and everyone knows we shouldn’t really be in this position. Hopefully we can build on this season and move forward.”  

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