Boss grateful for board's backing

Last updated : 07 March 2003 By Gary Purvis

"Chairman David Moores, chief executive Rick Parry and the board have always been very supportive to me, my staff and the players, particularly through the difficult period we went through," he said.

"We stuck together, we can celebrate and also go through difficult periods together.

"As a manager it's good to know that in hard times you know that those people are behind you and backing you and have faith in you because that gives you more strength to do your job.

"It's a very professional club but I'm keen on keeping a human social attitude to everything.

"I want people to feel like in a family. There is bonding between the players themselves, and also between the players and the fans which I say is exceptional."