Stoke & Staffordshire

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  1. Robins 'proud' of Potters in draw with leaders Boropublished at 23:03 BST 30 September

    Mark Robins, wearing a Stoke tracksuit, gives a thumbs-up with his right hand, to one of his players Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Mark Robins has been in charge of Stoke since January this year

    Manager Mark Robins says there was plenty to be proud of as Stoke City shared the points with Championship leaders Middlesbrough.

    The draw moved the Potters up to second as they came close to ending Boro's unbeaten start to the season, particularly in a strong second half showing.

    Robins told BBC Radio Stoke: "The second half we were much better because we were more compact. When we were pressing first half, we got stretched.

    "They're a good team, well coached - they had an extra body in midfield and it changed the way we could go about things.

    "The second half, we were on the front foot as much as we possibly could, but it became a basketball game in the end because we kept turning the ball over.

    "But it was a really good performance, a good team performance and one we can be proud of because these are flying at the moment."

  2. 'Robins has really helped me' - Mubamapublished at 14:12 BST 29 September

    Media caption,

    Mubama: 'It's a different level'

    Forward Divin Mubama says he's enjoying life on loan at Stoke and is learning from Potters boss Mark Robins.

    The 20-year-old Manchester City loanee and England Under-21 international has scored two goals in his first seven starts as Stoke have established themselves among the early front-runners.

    They head to Championship leaders Middlesbrough on Tuesday with the opportunity to close the gap to a point with a win at the Riverside (19:45 BST).

    "I've enjoyed it, I'm playing, so far so good and the team is progressing well," Mubama told BBC Radio Stoke.

    "I came in here with an open mind and to try to perfect my craft and improve with every game.

    "The manager being a centre-forward means you can relate to him, the advice he gives to me is something I take on and has really helped me so far.

    "The Championship is intense, very physical, I kind of expected it would be a lot on the body but it's good, I love it. It's a different level."

    Click here to hear the full interview with BBC Radio Stoke.

  3. 'Dominance is cause for huge optimism'published at 12:37 BST 28 September

    Mark Elliott
    BBC Radio Stoke's Potters commentator

    Stoke City celebrate goalImage source, Rex Features

    That Stoke only took a point from the game against Norwich was undoubtedly disappointing but the dominance they displayed is a cause for huge optimism.

    Tomas Rigo is a player. As the game went on he grew in influence, roaming and finding pockets of space and showcasing his creativity as his confidence grew.

    His central midfield colleague Tatsuki Seko was outstanding deputising for the injured Lewis Baker while the front four all had great moments without getting the little details right, away from a well taken equaliser from Sorba Thomas.

    Mark Robins used the word "detail" repeatedly after the game and it's those small actions in big moments that Stoke can look to as they try and improve again as a unit.

    That they're already in a position where they can sweat the small stuff is a positive in itself but individuals making the best possible decision in big moments and executing the choice with precision more often than not is what will turn a good team into a great one that can realistically compete for promotion.

    The basics are there. Work rate, endeavour and will were showcased in abundance and the crowd at the bet365 Stadium are responding with incredible support.

    When Steven Nzonzi made his return to the pitch in the second half, a World Cup winner's medal richer than when he first left the Potteries all those years ago, the reception was thunderous.

    Robins said his smart watch warned him about dangerous noise levels nearby as the crowd got right behind his team.

    Get the details right over the coming weeks and all the talk will focus on decibels and just how far this side can go.

  4. 'Most dominant we have been' Robins pleased with Potters despite drawpublished at 18:18 BST 27 September

    Media caption,

    Robins: 'It's the most dominant we've been'

    Stoke boss Mark Robins was proud of his side's performance despite seeing them drop points at home to Norwich.

    The Potters manager told BBC Radio Stoke:

    "From minute one we were really good, we looked dangerous and I thought we deserved more.

    "We were in the ascendancy from the off and to a man we were outstanding, that is probably the most dominant we have ben in games this season. They were hanging on, the only downside was we didn't take the three points.

    "I thought we worked really hard, it is just the fine details we need to tighten up in the final third. We have had a lot of chance to go out and win the game.

    "We had one brief spell of making stupid decisions, which gave them an opening and they took advantage."