Stoke City find themselves locked in a battle to avoid relegation from the Championship, and much of the pressure has fallen squarely on the shoulders of manager Mark Robins.
Since his appointment, the Potters have struggled to find consistent form, and some supporters have begun to voice their frustrations, claiming that there has been little improvement under his stewardship.
The club, however, must resist the temptation to make another knee-jerk decision and keep faith in Robins.
A Need for Stability
Stoke City’s managerial history over the past few years has been nothing short of turbulent. The club has been plagued by a high turnover of managers, with each change bringing a new philosophy, tactical approach, and set of expectations. This lack of continuity has undoubtedly played a part in the club’s current struggles, with players finding it difficult to adapt to new styles of play and systems on a regular basis. Mark Robins represents the opportunity for Stoke to establish some much-needed stability, a critical factor that can lay the foundation for future success.
While Robins has not yet delivered the turnaround that many fans were hoping for, it is important to remember that he is still in the early stages of his tenure at the club. He has not yet had the chance to fully implement his vision for Stoke’s future, and to judge him harshly on results alone would be premature. In fact, history has shown that it often takes time for a manager to embed his philosophy and build a team in his image.
Robins’ success at Coventry City serves as a perfect example. The manager’s journey at Coventry was not without its difficulties, including relegation to League Two, but it was this very setback that allowed Robins to build a team capable of achieving sustained success. In a similar vein, Stoke must be patient, as a long-term plan will ultimately serve them better than another change at the top.
The Challenge of Inheriting Another Man’s Squad
One of the most difficult challenges for any new manager is inheriting a squad that was built by someone else. Mark Robins stepped into a Stoke City team that had undergone several managerial changes before his arrival. While the squad undoubtedly has talent, it is a team that was put together to fit a different tactical blueprint, one that Robins had no hand in crafting. This can make it difficult for a manager to immediately stamp his authority on the side.
When a new manager arrives, especially at a club like Stoke, they need time to adjust and to mould the squad in their own image. Robins must have the opportunity to bring in players who fit his tactical system, and this is something that cannot be rushed. It is often said that you cannot truly judge a manager until they have had at least one full transfer window to shape their team. Robins has not yet had that luxury, but it is imperative that he is given the chance to make his mark on the squad.
The Lack of Available Options
Another compelling reason why Stoke City must keep faith in Robins is the limited pool of proven Championship managers currently available. The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, and a manager’s ability to navigate its challenges requires a certain level of experience. Mark Robins has this in abundance, having proven himself in the Championship with Coventry City. The success he enjoyed at Coventry is no fluke – it was the result of hard work, tactical acumen, and an ability to get the best out of his players.
At the moment, the managerial market is not brimming with experienced candidates who could step into a club like Stoke and deliver instant success. The clubs at the top of the Championship, such as Sheffield United, Leeds United, and Burnley, are led by managers who have extensive experience at this level. Chris Wilder, Scott Parker, and Daniel Farke have all achieved success in the Championship, and their experience has been a key factor in their teams’ performances. Robins, too, has a proven track record in the league, and his ability to navigate the challenges of the Championship should be seen as a major asset for Stoke City.
Consistency Is King
Ultimately, the key to Stoke’s survival in the Championship lies in consistency. The club needs to stop the revolving door of managers and give Robins the time to build a squad capable of competing at the right end of the table. This will not happen overnight, but it is clear that Robins has the potential to lead Stoke back to the Premier League in the long term.
The best teams in the Championship are often those who maintain managerial stability and allow their manager to implement a coherent and consistent plan over time. Robins has the pedigree to succeed at this level, and he deserves the time and backing to build a team capable of success.
