"After I left Coventry" - Mark Robins opens up on decision to join Stoke City | OneFootball

Mark Robins has been appointed as the latest manager of Stoke City

Mark Robins has explained why he was attracted to the Stoke City job after finalising his appointment as their latest manager.

The 55-year-old was dismissed by Coventry City in early November, but is already back in management in the Championship.

He was a highly sought-after coach following his departure from the Sky Blues, and has opted to take on the role with Stoke to start 2025.

Robins is the replacement for Narcis Pelach, who spent just two months with the Potters, and oversaw just 19 games.

Mark Robins explains Stoke City decision

Robins has claimed that the six weeks he spent out of work was enough time to want to get back into working in football, and that the project at Stoke is attractive.

He believes that, if given enough time, he can turn things around for the Potters, who have endured a difficult last few years.

“There was a spell after I left Coventry, after nearly eight years there, just needed a little bit of a breather to recharge the batteries,” said Robins, via Sky Sports on Twitter.

“That recharge has lasted about six weeks, approximately.

“When something comes up like Stoke City, for me, it is a real project but it’s one that can be achieved over time.

“And that’s the commodity everyone is looking for, if we get enough time we’ll be able to turn this around and get this going in a forward direction, I’m absolutely convinced of that.”

Stoke City league position

Robins will oversee his first game in charge at Stoke this weekend when they host Plymouth Argyle.

The Potters are 19th in the Championship after 25 games played, with Robins becoming the third manager to take charge of the first team squad this season.

The gap to the relegation zone is just four points, leaving the team looking to avoid the drop in the second half of the campaign.

Stoke will host Plymouth on Saturday in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Stoke need to be patient with Robins

Robins did an excellent job with Coventry during his seven-year stint back at the club.

If given time, there is no doubt that he can succeed at Stoke given the resources at their disposal.

The rest of this season should simply be about avoiding relegation so they can fully reset in the summer.

Robins has what it takes to bring the club forward again after a difficult few seasons, but patience will be needed.