Kit Symons: Fulham manager calls for unity and understanding

Kit Symons took charge of Fulham in September 2014, initially on an interim basis

Boss Kit Symons says people "need to be mindful" of Fulham's recent struggles before criticising their current form.

Fulham are 11th in the Championship, seven points off the play-offs, after Saturday's 4-2 win over Reading.

"When I took over, the club was on its knees and were destined for League One. Bigger clubs than us have done that double drop," he told BBC Radio London.

"It has been tough and we have done a lot of hard work. You want people to understand that and stay with us."

When Symons took charge at Craven Cottage in September 2014, four months after Fulham were relegated from the Premier League, they had taken just one point from their first seven league games.

The Welshman managed to lead the west London club to a 17th-placed finish last season but their start to the new campaign has brought mixed fortunes.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has set his sights on a place in the play-offs and said before the Reading game that the side "need to do better quite frankly".

Victory over the Royals was their first win in four games, which Symons believes will lift the pressure on him - for now.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has watched their recent games against QPR, Leeds and Reading

"It is the nature of the industry," Symons said. "I was under no illusions I was under pressure going into the Reading game and I'll be under pressure again during the course of this season.

"That's how Championship football is. It's not particularly pleasant but that's what you've got to deal with."

Khan was in the stands for the victory over Reading and Symons said the American businessman has been "incredibly supportive".

The 44-year-old added: "He's said nothing specific about my position. I saw him before the game and he said 'a win would be a good idea'. I'd worked that one out as well.

"He will do the right things and will get this club back in the top flight at some stage. I've just got to make sure I am the person to do that."