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Stoke City Appoints Mark Robins as New Manager

The Football Association of Wales has confirmed that Rowberry will continue in his position as the assistant to Craig Bellamy within the Wales national team. This decision reflects the ongoing commitment to building a strong coaching team.

In a statement, Walters emphasized the significance of having two assistant managers like Paul and James, describing their innovative and forward-thinking approaches as pivotal to the team’s development and future growth.

Mark Robins, the newly appointed manager of Stoke City, has a noteworthy history in football management. He previously guided Coventry City to promotions from both League Two and League One, culminating in a Championship play-off final appearance in 2023, where his side was narrowly defeated by Luton Town in a penalty shootout.

Last season, despite failing to replicate the success of securing a top-six finish, Coventry managed to challenge Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals, again reaching penalties. Robins’ managerial journey has included roles at Rotherham, Barnsley, Scunthorpe, and Huddersfield, showcasing his extensive experience in the sport.

Stoke City began their current season under the management of Steven Schumacher, who was dismissed in August after a series of underwhelming performances. This led to the hiring of former Huddersfield and Norwich manager Pelach. Unfortunately, Pelach’s tenure saw the team secure only three victories out of 19 matches, culminating in his sacking on December 27 following a 2-0 home defeat against Leeds, which extended Stoke’s winless streak to nine games and left them in the precarious position of 18th in the Championship standings.

Robins becomes the seventh manager for Stoke since their relegation from the Premier League in May 2018, a period during which they have not managed to achieve a top-six finish in the Championship. The significance of Robins’ appointment has not gone unnoticed, with Stoke City chair John Coates expressing optimism over Robins’ proven track record, declaring it an exciting time for the club.

Coates also highlighted the positive impact of a recent win against Sunderland, noting that the team’s competitive spirit and connection with the fans have provided a much-needed morale boost and hints at the potential for future success at the club.

Source
www.bbc.com