MARK Hughes today praised the “fantastic” support he has had from the board and spoke of his dismay that Premier League managers are not given more time before facing the axe.

Hughes saw his successor at Blackburn, Paul Ince, fired this week but doesn't fear a similar fate himself at City, who at present are only outside the relegation places on goal difference.

“I have had fantastic support. They know it is a case of little by little,” said the manager as he prepared to send his side out to face La Liga's Racing Santander tonight knowing a place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup is guaranteed.

“We are not going to be an outstanding team overnight. What we need to do is add to the quality already in the squad. We need to be consistent on a regular basis. If we can do that we will have quality that will come to the fore. We all know where we are, we have new owners and aspirations to go with them but we are not there yet because it takes time.

“At the moment we are in a situation we would prefer not to be in, but we are calm about it. We know that when we play well, we are a match for anyone.

“We just need more consistency, if we do that our quality will come through and we'll get more points on the board in the second half of the season.”

The demands on Premier League managers for instant  results was emphasised this week when Hughes' former team-mate Ince was sacked after less than half a season at Blackburn.

"A manager's job is difficult, we know that,” said Hughes. “We know the pressures we are under.

"We are expected to get results and when you can't do that then the pressure is on managers.

"Everyone understands that. You just have to be strong and comfortable in the knowledge is that your good work, given time, gets you results.”