Jonathan Walters confirms Mark Robins stays at Stoke City

Sporting director Jonathan Walters has dismissed speculation that manager Mark Robins will depart Stoke City, confirming the 56‑year‑old former Coventry City boss will start the new season in charge. Robins has been in charge for 18 months, a period that saw Stoke finish 18th one season and 17th the next, with only one point collected from their final six games.

Walters, appointed sporting director in April 2024, said rumours are inevitable in football but internal processes on recruitment and staffing remain unchanged. He added, “Mark’s here, Mark’s starting the season,” reinforcing the club’s commitment to stability for players and staff.

Robins became Stoke City’s seventh permanent manager since the club’s relegation from the Premier League in 2018. Despite a healthy budget, the Potters have never challenged for promotion since the drop, with their highest finish being 14th.

In October, Stoke City were second in the Championship after 14 games, raising expectations early in the campaign. A spate of injuries – two shoulder problems, a knee, an ankle and successive operations – disrupted the squad, and the team won only three of their final 20 matches.

Walters acknowledged that the season ended below the club’s standards, stating they did not finish “good enough” and that a 13th‑place finish is unacceptable. He outlined the club’s ambition to be around the play‑offs this year, insisting the squad being built must meet that target.