PHC coach Mark Wade took time out from celebrating his side's last day escape to spare a thought for relegated Wolves.

The two teams had gone into the final Premier Division round of matches on Sunday knowing one of them would be playing First Division football next term.

As it turned out the Zebras secured their top flight status when Wolves were crushed 4-0 by Devonshire Cougars and they beat Devonshire Colts by the same margin.

Wolves coach Dennis Brown quit at the end of the game and a successor has yet to be announced.

Wade hoped whoever did take over the helm would herald a return to former glories for this season's Dudley Eve Trophy winners.

"Wolves have a programme that was flourishing and I think this will be somewhat of a blow to them," said Wade. "I am hoping that they manage to pull it back together. We have had some tremendous games against Wolves and that is something I think that the league is going to miss."

PHC's season is far from over and from looking like relegation fodder, they still have a chance for some end of year glory.

"We have a Friendship semi-final against Dandy Town next Tuesday. We will try and relax our legs a little bit, have a bit of relaxation at the club and be back prepared and hopefully we can get some silverware," the coach said.

As for next year, Wade said he hoped to keep the nucleus of the side together although he admitted it was unlikely star striker Stephen Astwood would be among their number as he sought a professional contract overseas.

"That is the aim," he said. "Before we started we wanted to look at our entire programme. First of all we wanted to try and get players who were at PHC in the junior ranks back with the club. We were somewhat successful and the goal is to keep this group together.

"We are a very young team, I have had some 16 year-olds and 17 year-olds out there right through the season and it is important we keep them. The club has a proud history and we have a very good programme. I am looking to keep these guys together and improve on our performances of this year."