"I have had great support from everyone, not least all the staff and the administrative people," Hodgson said after the 1-0 win at Fratton Park.
"The players, quite simply, since we have decided on our best team, have been magnificent.
"I am very impressed. Had we thrown in the towel I don't think many people would have been too surprised.
"You read headlines that we were dead people walking and waiting for the season to end, but we have done much better than that and done it by playing well and working hard.
"All the games where we have got good results, I don't think anyone can say we didn't deserve it."