John Gregory insisted that Maccabi Ahi Nazareth will avoid relegation from the Israeli Premier Division despite their 1-0 home defeat to Betar Jerusalem.

The former Villa took charge of the Ligat Ha’al strugglers last week. After his first match in charge, he said: “We lacked quality, especially in attack, although the defence performed well. It’s my responsibility to improve matters.”

Gregory was forced to sit in the stands and convey messages by phone to assistant-manager Najwan Grayeb on the touchline because his contract had not been submitted to the Israel FA in time.

Crowd unrest was predicted ahead of the game but the match was played in torrential rain, thus preventing any disturbances as very few Betar supporters travelled north for the game.