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Relegation-threatened sides to fight until final whistle

04/05/2008

The managers of Birmingham City and Reading, who are both in the relegation places after yesterday's results, have both vowed to fight until the final whistle next week.

Birmingham City are a point adrift of safety following their 2-0 defeat against Fulham yesterday while Reading are in the bottom three on goal difference after a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues face Blackburn Rovers next week and manager Alex McLeish is determined that with their Premier League futures at stake his players can still turn things around.

He said: "We have to keep our head up and stay positive. We've seen dramatic last days in the Premier League over the years and let's hope it's the same again next week in Birmingham's favour."

The Blues need other results to go in their favour, coupled with at least a draw against Rovers.

Reading face Derby County, who have only won one league game all season, and look to have the easier task of saving themselves on the final day.

Manager Steve Coppell called for his side not to give up as he felt they still had every chance of surviving.

He said: "It is down to us to try and get a win next week. We have to get a result to give ourselves a chance. We are still in the mix and still have an opportunity, but it is down to us to deliver now."

Although Fulham moved out of the danger zone following their win yesterday, manager Roy Hodgson warned they had not completed the task yet.

"We are one step closer. We have had two important victories, but we have still got an even more important victory to take," said Hodgson.

Fulham take on Portsmouth next week and will hope Harry Redknapp's side are more focused on their FA Cup final appearance the following week.