The Lilywhites were thrashed 4-0 at Swansea on Saturday, but Ferguson said their early season struggles can be attributed to new signings - including Paul Hayes, who moved on a Bosman transfer from Scunthorpe - needing time to gel.
"I always felt the early part of the season would be the hardest as we have a lot of new players at the club and it takes time, but it is going to be a long haul," he said.
"We want to be as competitive as possible to fix our place in this division and I have every confidence in my players to achieve that.
"It has been a disappointing start to the season with two defeats but I am sure that we can pull it round over the next few games."
Ferguson also started last season badly in the Championship. He was in charge of Peterborough United, who he had led to automatic promotion from League One, but was asked to leave in November with the Posh bottom of the table.