Stoke City chairman Peter Coates is delighted with the first 12 months of manager Mark Hughes' time in charge.
Coates says neither he nor his son John had any doubts themselves when appointing the Welshman 14 months ago.
"I'm sure he was anxious when he came because things had gone a bit wrong for him and a lot of people were being critical," Coates told The Sentinel, "so he's got to be pleased to have had such a good season with us.
"Maybe people are now realising that he is a good manager after all.
"Mark himself is bound to be feeling a lot better and more confident about things after last season's success, and also for having a year in which to settle himself into a new club.
"But in saying that, we all know next season will not be easy, and I'm sure Mark would be the first to say that. You take nothing for granted in football."
