Around 4 weeks ago probably 90% of fans actually thought that relegation was a real possibility with Hypia as Manager.
Under Hughton you can already see that the 90% who thought relegation was a distinct possibility. I bet that has probably dropped to around 60%. That in itself shoows the confidence that CH has instilled in the fans in a very short space of time.
If he has managed that with the fans i guarantee he has instilled that confidence and more among the players.
Being confident of not being relegated is on thing but comtemplating promotion is another and rthey are a world apart. Hughton has already said that play off's next year is a distinct possibility. He didn't even address the relegation issue because he is probably very confident in this own ability and that of the players that he doesnt even fear relegation this year.
You can see from the signing's like Leon Best that these are short term measures, hence the length of the contract to the end of the season. he obviously is going to plan his assault on the play offs next year and whilst it is nice that some fans are already thinking of the play offs, we need to keep a check on reality.
Building a squad takes at least 3 or 4 transfer windows to do so and when Hughton has had that under his belt then I have every confidence that we will be ready for Promotion