Latest from StokeonTrentLive: Mark Robins begins shaping Stoke City in his first summer transfer window as manager.
Mark Robins faces one of the most demanding summers of his career as he takes charge of Stoke City’s first full transfer window under its revamped recruitment setup. His mission? Revive the struggling Potters and build a team capable of climbing out of mid-table obscurity in the Championship.
Stoke’s story since Premier League relegation is one of frustration: big spending, high hopes, and repeated managerial sackings. Well-regarded names like Gary Rowett, Michael O’Neill, and Alex Neil all failed to turn things around, leaving Robins with no illusions about the scale of the challenge. Optimism is cautious, with fingers crossed rather than outright belief that he’s the long-awaited solution.
After finishing 18th in the Championship, Stoke barely survived on the final day with a draw against Derby County. That close call has only intensified the urgency for change. Four senior players with fitness issues have already been released, while young talents could attract interest, forcing Robins to juggle performance needs with Financial Fair Play limits.
As rival clubs across the Championship release their retained lists, opportunities arise for free-agent signings—something Stoke could exploit to great effect. Former Potters midfielder Jordan Thompson has already signed for Preston after his release, illustrating the kind of savvy, cost-effective moves Robins might explore.
Here’s a snapshot of retained lists from other Championship clubs, showing where bargains might be found:
Derby County
Released: Barkhuizen, Bradley, Fornah, Hendrick, Luthra, Pieters, Roofe, Washington
In talks: Forsyth, Liam Thompson
Luton Town
Released: Mpanzu, Bell, Krul, Horlick, Moses, Pereira
In talks: Various players under contract but future talks ongoing
Leeds United
Released: Guilavogui
In talks: Byram, Debayo, Firpo
Norwich City
Released: Gunn, Hernández, Sørensen, Tomkinson, Mair, Shipley, Finch, Manning, Craven, Ogwuru, Doy, Roberts, Keita, Simbai
In talks: Dobbin (loan from Villa)
Plymouth Argyle
Released: Waine, Earley, Jenkins Davies, Bernard
In talks: Houghton, Bundu, Matthews
Portsmouth
Released: Bramall, Lowery, Milošević, Scully, Yengi
Preston North End
Released: Riis, Woodman, Best, Taylor, Bauer, Ledson
In talks: Evans (coaching), Seary, Pasiek, Brady
Sheffield Wednesday
Released: Armstrong, Hamer, Hatsuse, Ihiekwe, Johnson, Valentin, Wilks
In talks: Bannan, Famewo, Paterson
Options exercised: Musaba, Smith, Windass
Stoke City
Released: Thompson, Gooch, Rose, Stevens
Option exercised: Lewis Baker
Contracts extended: Fielding, Bonham
With plenty of experienced players now free agents, Robins and his team have a real chance to reshape the squad smartly. But time, and results, will tell if this summer marks a genuine turning point for Stoke City.
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