Stoke City assistant manager Mark Bowen believes that Potters fans are right behind new manager Mark Hughes.

For the first time in seven years there will be a new man in the dugout at the Britannia Stadium, with the Welshman stepping into the role previously occupied by his compatriot Tony Pulis.

Since his appointment in May, the 49-year-old has set about changing the team's style of play and Bowen believes that the fans have responded positively in their pre-season games.

"It's been well documented we're trying to tweak the style of play to be a more expansive team, and everything we've put to the players they've embraced so we're looking forward to the first game," he told Sky Sports News.

"The supporters have been very good. We had our first home game against Genoa last Saturday and I think it was a different style of play they were looking at, but the first impressions are that the supporters are on board and behind it."

Stoke open their Premier League season with a trip to Anfield in the early kickoff on Saturday.