Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Robert Green has credited the squad's "resilience" for their unbeaten start to the season.
The R's are currently at the top of the Championship table thanks to six wins and two draws from their opening eight matches.
"We probably didn't have that resilience last season that we're showing now," Green told the club's official website. "But the manager is experienced, knows what it takes to get out of this league - he's done it before and that's a huge advantage.
"Yes, he's been backed by the board to bring the right players in, but the lads have responded. We're up for doing the graft, putting in the hard yards - we're all together and pulling in the right direction.
"It's been a terrific turnaround since the end of last season, but results play a big part in that."
QPR continue their bid for promotion on Saturday when they welcome Middlesbrough to Loftus Road.