DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman is relishing the pressure that he has put himself under for the second year of his Rodney Parade reign.

The Irishman took the helm last summer when he replaced Kingsley Jones as head coach but has endured a torrid campaign featuring just two wins in the Guinness PRO14, a regional low.

Jackman has, however, placed a big emphasis on youth this season given that he has been busy in the transfer market with eight recruits confirmed and five more to come.

Nonetheless, Dragons supporters have been frustrated by results in the first year under Welsh Rugby Union control with their last PRO14 success being in September.

Since the turn of the year the region has won just twice – against Bordeaux-Begles in the European Challenge Cup and Worcester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup – and endured some painful and heavy defeats.

“I understand why they are worried and I feel for them in that they have been incredibly loyal considering how we have performed as a region, it’s a long time since we have given them success,” said Jackman.

“All I can say is that we are working incredibly hard to change that and the test will be in September, October and November when they see us.

“There is no point in promising them stuff, I just know that all I can do is look after the process and that’s developing the talent that we have, recruiting new talent, making sure we get our culture and environment right, making sure that as a coaching group we coach the team better.

“They are the key fundamentals. If we get those right it will transfer onto the field.

“I hope the supporters hopefully see a big year of transition and that there are changes being made.”

“When we get this right it will be hugely rewarding,” he continued. “I am enjoying it. I am enjoying the pressure, I am enjoying the criticism and I am looking forward to changing that.

“But when we are going well and they are telling me I am great I won’t believe that either! I don’t believe I am as bad as they are say now.

“It’s brilliant to work in place where people are passionate about the Dragons, criticise us when we are poor and hopefully they will celebrate us when we get it right.”

The Dragons finish their season against the Scarlets at Principality Stadium on Saturday and will be boosted by the return of Wales international Hallam Amos after his Commonwealth Games 7s commitments.

He will slot in at full-back with former Springbok Zane Kirchner likely to move to midfield but Jackman is sweating on the availability of captain and lock Cory Hill, who has a toe injury.

Experienced back row forward Lewis Evans is out (back) but James Benjamin, like Amos, is back from the Gold Coast.