Davies confesses naked ambition
Mark Hughes believes he has found a club similar in spirit to Fulham as he prepares to return to Craven Cottage.
Hughes resigned as Fulham manager in the summer of 2011 in the hope of furthering his career but now admits he made a mistake.
The Welshman's next employment came at QPR in a dismal and chaotic 10-month spell that culminated in his sacking.
He is now bidding to resurrect his managerial career at the Britannia Stadium and feels comfortable in surroundings that remind him of Fulham.
The 49-year-old said: "In terms of the club and the people they are very similar - top quality people, good people to work for.
"They are clubs that are trying to be in the top half of the Premier League, that is what we are trying to do and Fulham will be trying to do that again.
"They are clubs that have established themselves for a long time in the Premier League now.
"You reap the benefits of that in terms of being able to invest and move forward. That's what Fulham and Stoke have done."
Hughes has made an encouraging start with the Potters and has earned praise for the style his side have played in, contrasting with the direct and physical game typically associated with them.
The past fortnight has brought setbacks however with defeats to Arsenal and, of more concern to Hughes, Norwich.
Hughes said: "We didn't really see that coming. Until that point we had been very good in terms of performance level.
"We didn't hit anything like the levels we had before."
Hughes has not been back to Craven Cottage since his departure from the club but clearly still has affection for the London outfit.
He expects a tough game there and is surprised Fulham have started the season poorly, having collected just four points from their opening six Barclays Premier League games.
Hughes said: "Craven Cottage is one of the great football grounds of the Premier League, it's got its own unique atmosphere and that has helped Fulham in the past.
"But at the beginning of the season there are a lot of disruptions and the league hasn't really settled down yet, with international breaks and the transfer window.
"Fulham are one of many teams that will think things will settle for them and they can continue to progress and move forward."
Source: DSG
Source: DSG