the huge expectation comes from no trophys in almost 40 years, and the fact we have probably the second largest fan base in england. And if a manager the fans think is qualified for the role (not one who has successfully led you towards relegation) he'd get the support. Realistically most were hoping for O'Leary (Hitzfeld ideally). So the the feeling of "what the (Please don't use that word again) is going on" when souness was announced was over whelming, and i don't expect him to get a good reception on saturday or indeed against Hapoel on thursday...
He's got a huge job on his hands if he is going to win the fans over.