Notts County assistant manager Mark Crossley says he and John Sheridan still firmly believe they can be the duo to turn the club's fortunes around.
The pair came into Meadow Lane this summer but have been disappointed with a points return that sees the Magpies positioned 20th in Sky Bet League Two going into this weekend's trip to Colchester United.
But, with more than half a season still to play, Crossley is confident things will improve.
He said: "We realise what the fans have been going through for a long time at this club and we thought we were going to be the change - and we still can be. I believe it and John believes it.
"I remember when we first went into Chesterfield - it was a very, very similar start to the season. We went in there with high optimism. We had players in, we had to get players out. The following season we won the league.
"I also look at my hometown club, Barnsley, last season. At Christmas they'd just lost six games on the bounce and were bottom of the league, but they got to the play-offs and were promoted. That's our aim from now - that's what we have to do. Things have to change.
"As I said a few weeks ago, we need more from the players. We believe they can get us through this sticky period - now they've got to produce it. They have owned up that they've not been at it - and we appreciate that they realise that. Now it's up to them to roll their sleeves up and get at it, quickly."
One player who could be key to driving that approach is tenacious midfielder Curtis Thompson, who is in contention to make his first appearance since April on Saturday.
Crossley said: "Curtis is involved in the squad. We had a full-scale game on the pitch on Tuesday, half an hour each way, and he came through that fine - no problem whatsoever. He was blowing a little bit at the end - he's done a lot of rehab but when you come to playing on a matchday it always takes time to get to the level of fitness you want. But he's not far off, he's raring to go.
"He's like a new signing for us. We're looking forward to having him back - he plays on the front foot and, let's be honest, it's probably what we've been lacking."
Crossley, who confirmed Alex Rodman was still sidelined, was speaking in the absence of Sheridan, who had succumbed to a spate of illness within the camp.