NATHAN Jones admitted his Saints opportunity could “turn sour pretty quickly” and recognised the importance of showing improvement quickly.

Sport Republic took a risk in choosing the successor to Ralph Hasenhuttl, using data analysis to determine a perfect fit for the club while also ensuring survival.

Jones, who was at the time a Championship manager with no Premier League experience, scored highest and – with Rasmus Ankersen’s involvement increased – appointed within days of a vacuum.

The Welshman has looked to win fans over with brutal honesty in his press conferences, but he has already been subject to frustrations from his supporters after three defeats in three league games.

Asked if he understands their frustrations, he responded: “It’s understandable with the position we’re in and when they see the team on Boxing Day play with no possession it’s frustrating for them.

“We have to make sure we’re the best versions of ourselves and give them something to get behind,” Jones added.

“We haven’t won enough games this year but we’ve only been in for two Premier League games really and haven’t got the results we’d like. If we do things better and the fans are with us there is something to be achieved.”

When asked if he has been enjoying the opportunity to manage at Premier League level for the first time, he responded: “It's only an opportunity if you take it and it can turn sour pretty quickly, and I don’t want that to happen.

“What I want to do is make sure the people see that we’re improving certain things, the performance level was there at Fulham but for two moments and that’s how tough the Premier League is.

“We have to make sure that we’re creating our own luck and that we’re all together on this.”

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