Mark Hughes hopes to feel the full weight of support from Fulham fans as they prepare to tackle West Brom.
Fulham fans were calling for Hughes’ head after their 3-1 defeat at home against West Ham on Boxing Day.
But encouraging displays against Stoke – where they won – and a narrow defeat against Tottenham has lifted the mood around the club, despite them still being in the bottom three.
Hughes, though, insists the supporters were correct to taunt him after their 3-1 defeat but hopes they have noted Fulham’s recent improvement.
“They showed their disappointment as we were beaten 3-1, it is understandable,” he said.
“But they have seen the manner of our last two performances – they will be right behind us.”
David Stockdale is set to be handed his first appearance since August as he deputises for Mark Schwarzer who is representing Australia at the Asia Cup.
And the 25-year-old is fully behind his manager.
He said: “Everyone outside the club was asking questions at one point but, as you saw against Stoke and Tottenham, everyone here is behind the manager.
“The lads put in two good performances last week and I think we deserved at least a point out of the game on Saturday against a top-four side.
“If you take those performances, we are a top-10 side and we just need to keep believing and we’ll be there at the end of the season.
“We’re looking to move out of the bottom positions as soon as possible, which I’m certain we will do. It’s just a matter of time.”
Hughes has no qualms about putting Stockdale back into the first-team as he is confident he will display the skills that saw him set to get a surprise England call-up.
“Had it not been for his injury, he would probably have made the England squad,” added the Fulham chief.
“He made a real impression when he came in and with Mark absent we’ve got to hope he makes a similar impression.
“He’s been training well and he has been made aware that this period has been coming up, so he’s ready for it.” .
