Stoke boss Robins signs new contract

Mark Robins replaced Narcis Pelach as Stoke manager on 1 January

Stoke City manager Mark Robins has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the Championship club.

Robins, 55, took over at the bet365 Stadium on New Year's Day and, after securing the Potters' second-tier survival last season, has transformed them into candidates for a return to the Premier League this term.

The former Coventry City boss has steered Stoke to third place in the Championship, two points off the automatic promotion spots after 15 games.

The Potters had been second going into their last match before the international break but were beaten by Robins' old club as the Sky Blues, now under Frank Lampard, won 1-0 to extend their lead at the top.

Robins' coaching staff - Paul Nevin, James Rowberry, Ryan Shawcross and Darren Behcet - have also agreed new deals.

"It has been clear during his short time with the club to date that Mark is the right fit as manager of Stoke City," Potters chairman John Coates said.

"The progress we have made on the field has been extremely encouraging. Our players are responding excellently to our coaching team and the way our brilliant supporters have galvanised even further behind the club during the past year has been a pleasure to see."

Robins, who is hoping to take the club back to the top flight for the first time since 2018, said he was "hugely proud" to be in charge and is "fully committed to the long-term process of bringing a successful future to this club".

"We know it's going to take time and that there will be tough as well as enjoyable periods along the way, but we are in it for the long haul," Robins added.