Mark Robins appointed manager of Stoke City

Mark Robins Credit: PA Images

Mark Robins has been appointed manager of Stoke City on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 55-year-old will be in the dugout for the first time against Plymouth Argyle at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, with Ryan Shawcross continuing as caretaker at Burnley today.

Reporting to Sporting Director Jon Walters, the new appointment arrives in ST4 after overseeing a dynasty of success over seven years with Coventry City.

The Sky Blues won the EFL Trophy, were promoted on two occasions, reached the 2023 Championship Playoff Final and also reached the semi-final of last season’s FA Cup - all under Robins’ stewardship.

Paul Nevin and James Rowberry, currently England Under 20s and Wales senior team’s Assistant Coach respectively, have joined as assistant managers.

Walters said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark, Paul and James to the Stoke City family.

“At Coventry, Mark built something successful with a real identity and longevity and he left the Club in a significantly better place than he found it.

“That’s exactly what we want to achieve at Stoke City, and he has all the pedigree and experience to help us do that.

“With a record like that behind him, Mark was always going to be in great demand, so we’re delighted that he sees an exciting opportunity to build something special in the Potteries.

“Welcoming two Assistant Managers of such calibre and with such innovative and progressive mindsets in Paul and James is another important part of how we will seek to progress and grow.

“The immediate mission is to climb as high as we can up the Championship table during the second half of this season, whilst also laying foundations for a long-term successful future for our club.”

Chair John Coates said: “With the proven track record Mark brings to the role, I believe this is a genuinely exciting moment for Stoke City.

“The recent win over Sunderland, with the way the team competed on the field and connected with the fans, gave everyone a huge boost and provided a glimpse of what can be created at our club.

“Ryan Shawcross has the sincere thanks of us all for the diligent and inspiring way he has taken to being in caretaker charge.

“We all remain right behind him for this afternoon’s match against Burnley and look forward to his sterling work within our Academy continuing once Mark takes the first team reins.”


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