SAMMY LEE paid tribute to the Wanderers fans after admitting that they played their part in helping Wanderers qualify for the UEFA Cup for the second time in three seasons.

Just over 25,000 supporters entered the Reebok Stadium on Sunday to see Wanderers clinch the point against Aston Villa that guaranteed a passage into Europe.

Lee said:  "I think the crowd played their part today, which doesn't always get mentioned at this football club, but it was a great result for everybody."

The Wanderers manager confessed that failure to have quaified for Europe would have been devastating considering effort his players have put in over the season.

He added: "That was my worry because if we hadn't gained qualification for the UEFA Cup then it would have been a big disappointment for all the work that everyone had put in," admitted Lee.

"The fact that we have qualified is great vindication of the great groundwork which has been laid down by some very, very good people here at this football club.

"We didn't quite get the win that would have secured it regardless of other results but it was through no lack of effort."