Mark Hughes believes Stoke's promising start to the season has given him breathing space at the Britannia Stadium.
The Potters secured their third successive victory with a 1-0 Barclays Premier League triumph at West Ham on Saturday thanks to Jermaine Pennant's magnificent curling free-kick eight minutes from time.
Having succeeded Tony Pulis during the summer, Hughes has now accumulated more points for Stoke in three matches than he managed at QPR last season until he was dismissed in November.
Adding to Hughes' satisfaction is that he has introduced a more exciting style of football that has seen the club abandon the physical approach favoured by Pulis.
"I think the fans are enjoying what they're seeing. It's a work in progress," the Welshman said.
"On occasion we'll get it wrong and won't be as accomplished as we were against West Ham.
"If I hadn't got points on the board then pressure starts to build on me again, which I understand. That's the way it is.
"I feel as though I'm at a good club. It's a stable club. It's been in the Premier League a number of years and understand what it takes.
"If we can keep progressing and keep getting into the top 10 on a regular basis, people will view my time here as a success. It's a chance for me and one I want to make sure I take."
Stoke dominated and should have won more comfortably only for Kenwyne Jones, Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters to butcher first-half chances.
Source: PA
