'Blue Army will give Leicester City time in the Championship'
That is the opinion of Supporters Club chairman Cliff Ginnetta, who thinks the Blue Army will give Pearson's squad time to prove themselves in the Championship.
City began last season under a huge weight of expectation.
Having dropped into the third tier for the first time, most fans expected them to bounce back at the first attempt.
Pearson and his players duly matched that expectation, despite many sides regarding the clash against City as their cup final.
Ginnetta said: "I think the majority of fans are expecting City to be in mid-table this time."
That is reflected in City being priced at about 7-1 for promotion.
Ginnetta said: "I think they can kick on and get in the play-offs, but I reckon I am in the minority."
In recent seasons, when City have been on disappointing runs, the players and managers have come under pressure from some supporters.
But Ginnetta said: "I think it will be different this time. I think they will be very tolerant for a while.
"Nigel Pearson is the first manager who has not been in the shadow of Martin O'Neill.
"Micky Adams was popular for a time but then it went wrong. The rest of them have not been given time."
O'Neill guided City to two League Cup triumphs and four top-10 Premiership finishes.
His successors have generally found it difficult to meet fans' expectations – until Pearson arrived.
Ginnetta feels most supporters have faith in Pearson, his judgement and signings.
Pearson's style is generally to let the team's results do the talking for him.
Ginnetta said: "He gets animated in the technical area and he looks annoyed when they have not played well. And those are things the fans want to see."
Foxes Trust committee member Matt Davis agrees the fans will show plenty of patience.
He said: "Nigel Pearson has done so much for the club and has stabilised it. I think the key is going to be getting a good early run together.
"The first priority has to be survival, the second a play-off spot and the third, automatic promotion. But that is a big ask.
"Most of the fans will be reasonable about it. There are one or two boo-boys, but they are a minority."
The build-up gathers pace next week when City have their first two pre-season outings.
They send sides to take on Tamworth and Loughborough Dynamo a week today.
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