Mark Robins has begun a major summer overhaul, clearing the decks for key transfer moves.
Championship pundit Don Goodman has explained why Stoke City’s end-of-season retained list came as no surprise, pointing to the playing time and impact of the departing players.
Stoke narrowly avoided relegation on the final day and wasted little time in confirming that four senior players—Michael Rose, Enda Stevens, Lynden Gooch, and Jordan Thompson—would be released. Thompson has already found a new club in Preston North End.
Goodman highlighted that all four had minimal involvement throughout the season, which made the decision understandable. Speaking to the FruityKing podcast, he noted their limited starts—each featuring in just 12 or 13 of the 46 Championship games—and their ages ranging from 28 to 34.
He expects new boss Mark Robins to now focus on bringing in younger, more energetic players who can grow and contribute more significantly.
Goodman also pointed to Sunderland’s approach as a potential model, where the focus is on recruiting youth, developing talent, and building a sustainable path to success. With the released players having had little impact in a disappointing season, Goodman says it’s no shock to see them depart.
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