"I've got the full backing of the club, the board and the players," he said.

"I feel a bit miffed because we stayed up the year before and got mid-table last year, but nothing surprises me in football anymore.

"We tried so hard for people not to have pot-shots at us last season, but it looks as if they are back.

"I wanted to be on the back pages for the right reasons last season, but it doesn't concern me. The players are behind me.

"It's so important that we have a good start and, after the first eight games, I'll be able to make a judgement."