Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has to be given time to turn around his side's form, according to ex-Reds man Garry Birtles.
Forest picked up their first point of the season last weekend in a 1-1 draw at Derby County, but Hughton has been under increased pressure following a run of four losses in four Championship matches at the start of the season.
Some supporters present for the defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City were hostile towards the Reds boss; they could be heard chanting 'You're getting sacked in the morning' as well as singing the name of Hughton's predecessor, Sabri Lamouchi.
But the former Brighton manager remains in the hot seat at the City Ground and wrapped up the transfer window with nine summer signings.
Now former Forest striker Birtles says the transfer window and international break provides Hughton with a moment to reflect and extra time to turn around his side's form.
He told NottinghamshireLive's Garibaldi Red podcast: "You've got to give him a chance now. He's got time to work with a squad now.
"It's not totally his squad, but he's got to work with it. They've got three games coming up now and if it all goes wrong in that week he knows he won't be at the City Ground any more.
"He knows that. We all do. That's how football is. If we lose three on the trot, which I don't think we will, we're massively adrift.
"I think we'll win against Cardiff and that will give confidence."
Fellow guest, Forest fan Michael Temple added: "He's not Dane's man. He's an inherited manager who has been backed and has an excellent reputation.
"You're soon forgotten in football though. Three wins in a row and he's a hero. Three defeats in a row and it will be time for a change."
