Stoke City

Image source, Rex Features

Stoke City boss Mark Robins says he is trying to keep things calm going into Saturday's latest relegation crunch game at Cardiff City.

After being denied three points by an injury-time equaliser from 23rd-placed Luton Town at the Bet365 Stadium, Robins' Potters now take on 22nd-placed Cardiff City.

Cardiff are two points better off than Luton and a home win - coupled with Derby County winning at Portsmouth - would dump Stoke in the bottom three.

But Robins knows that it is down to him to talk positively, back his players and keep the nerves out of his dressing room.

"Unfortunately I've come into a situation when I knew this may be possible and it's proving that way," he said. "But I love the job and this is part of the job.

"I'm just trying to get us over the line this season and then we will look to what we can do in the future so that we don't see this happen anymore.

"There are good players, there really are. They have the talent which they can utilise to help benefit us for the rest of this season and beyond.

"There have been circumstances around this season that I don't want to see again. There have been too many players who have missed too much football for whatever reason. At the end of all this we have to make sure that those things don't happen. But it's the here and now that matters."

After Saturday's trip to South Wales, the Potters host Sheffield Wednesday on Good Friday before two games in five days against two of the top three - away to Leeds United on Easter Monday and a Friday night visit of Sheffield United - then the final-day trip to John Eustace's Derby.

There have probably not been many bigger meetings between Cardiff City and Stoke City.

A victory for the Welsh side could condemn the Potters to a place in the relegation zone, but Stoke also have the chance to put some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three.

• Cardiff are unbeaten across their past nine league games against Stoke (W3 D6), winning this fixture 2-1 at home last season.

• Stoke have failed to win any of their past six away league games against Cardiff (D3 L3) since a 1-0 victory in August 2007.

• Each of Cardiff's past three league games have been draws (1-1 v Sheffield Wednesday, 0-0 v QPR, 2-2 v Preston); the Bluebirds last drew four successive league games in December 2022, a run which included a 2-2 draw with Stoke.

• Stoke have managed to win just one of their past 13 away league matches (D4 L8), a 2-1 victory at Hull in February.

• Stoke's Lewis Baker has scored seven goals in the Championship this season; only in 2021-22 has he netted more in a single league campaign (8). Baker has five goals in his past eight league appearances, as many as his previous 52 beforehand.

"To not be able to take the maximum points, in a game where I think they needed to, is going to be a real confidence killer for them."

Lucas Yeomans is joined by former midfielder David Fox as they discuss Stoke City's disappointing 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Luton Town and what it means for the relegation fight.

Listen to the full episode and more on the A Cold, Wet Tuesday Night podcast.

Image source, Rex Features

Stoke City boss Mark Robins admits he had a feeling of disbelief at Luton Town's injury-time equaliser at the Bet365 Stadium.

With the hosts looking on course for a third straight home win when Lewis Baker's free-kick was deflected in on 74 minutes, Luton substitute Millenic Alli was left alone at the far post to fire home from a tight angle.

"He should never be able to get any space," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke. "It's a slither of space. He should never be able to get it in.

"I had to look twice, I couldn't believe it was in the back of the net.

"We're disappointed and, at the end of the day, Luton are celebrating as they haven't lost. But we should still have seen them off.

"We'd dealt with everything they've had to throw at us - and they've thrown a lot. We'd scored and we should have got it done.

"They've made the game really difficult. You've got to expect that. And the ball was in the air a lot more, which isn't ideal, but you've got to deal with it and we did that pretty well until the last bit.

"It just flattens everything. I'm really disappointed but, take the emotions out of it, we've got to take the point and make it into a better one at Cardiff on Saturday.

"There's still a long way to go and we now have to be ready to go again."

After Saturday's trip to the Cardiff City Stadium, the Potters host Sheffield Wednesday on Good Friday before two games in the space of five days against two of the top three - away to Leeds United on Easter Monday, a Friday night visit of Sheffield United and then the final-day trip to John Eustace's Derby County.

Luton Town visit Stoke City on Tuesday (19:45 BST) as they look to claw themselves out of the relegation zone.

The Hatters are undefeated across their past four league games, earning a point at home to promotion-chasing Leeds United last time out.

Victory could give them safety, with the two teams ahead of them (Cardiff City and Derby County) just two points in front as well as get them within one point of Stoke.

On the other hand, should the Potters lose and both Cardiff and Derby take all three points at their respective matches, then the Hatters will see their hosts join them in the drop zone.

• Stoke have won seven of their last 10 home league games against Luton (D1 L2), most recently a 2-0 victory in November 2022.

• After their 2-1 win in December, Luton are looking to complete their first league double over Stoke City since 1984-85 in the top-flight under David Pleat.

• Stoke have won both of their last two home league games, last winning three in a row within a single season in September 2021.

• Luton have won both of their last two away league games, more than their first 18 of the season beforehand (W1 D2 L15), and could win three in a row for the first time since January 2023.

• Stoke boss Mark Robins has only won one of his last 10 league meetings with Luton Town (D5 L4), although that was his most recent with Coventry in October this season (3-2).

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City manager Mark Robins called his side "brave" but said they lacked "detail" to beat Preston North End.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden struck first for the Lilywhites to open the scoring in the first half before Potters midfielder Lewis Baker converted a 75th minute penalty to salvage a point for Stoke at Deepdale.

"I think we were brave," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke. "I thought we were the better team throughout the game. I thought we had the first real opportunity when Milly [Manhoef] went through and took one touch too many.

"If he can get that out from under his feet and finish then I think he scores but I'm not going to criticise the decision making too much although it's the thing that cost us a little bit.

"That's where we fall down a little bit but I think we had the better opportunities."

The Potters dropped down two places in the Championship to 20th and Robins said his side lacked a "quality finish".

"We went behind to a rubbish goal which ended up taking a deflection and trickling into the back of the net," added Robins.

"It's really disappointing to concede like that but knew we were in the game. It looked like we needed that little bit of impetus which we didn't get.

"I wanted a bit more from the wide areas today and that's both full-backs and wide players to work in tandem. That wasn't quite working but we managed to inject a little bit of urgency to get the penalty at the end.

"We kept the pressure on them and kept the ball in their box but we just didn't get that quality finish to go and see the game out."

Stoke City make the trip to Deepdale on Saturday (15:00 BST) as they look to increase the distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

The Potters are only two points above 22nd placed Cardiff City but have won two of their past three league games to sit in 18th place.

They now face a Preston side firmly in the midtable, seven points clear of relegation but 10 away from the play-offs.

Will having more on the line spur Stoke to a win or will North End make good on their hopes to end the season strong?

• The previous league meeting this season between Preston and Stoke ended 0-0 – the last time both games between the teams in the same season were drawn was back in 1928-29.

• Stoke City have won three of their last four away league matches against Preston (D1), including each of the last two.

• Preston have gone 12 home league games without defeat (W4 D8), their best unbeaten run at Deepdale since a run of 15 between December 2014 and August 2015.

• Stoke City have lost their last four away Championship matches – they haven't lost five away league games in a row since losing six consecutively between January and March 2013 in the top-flight.

• Stoke manager Mark Robins is winless in his last 12 league meetings against Preston North End (D4 L8) since beating them 2-0 with Barnsley back in February 2011.

Image source, Rex Features

Near-neighbours Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra are mourning the death of former Potters forward Johnny King at the age of 92.

King scored 113 goals in 311 Stoke appearances in the 1950s, placing him fifth in the list of the club's all-time scorers.

He came through the ranks at Crewe Alexandra before moving to the Victoria Ground in 1953 to lead the line for Stoke in Division Two for eight seasons, finishing as top scorer on three occasions.

The left-footer moved to Division One club Cardiff in 1961 before returning to Gresty Road the following year and helping the Railwaymen earn promotion.

He played a further four years before hanging up his boots in 1967.

A Potters statement read:, external "We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Johnny's family and friends at this sad time."

Crewe, meanwhile, described King, who scored 185 goals in 591 games across his two spells with the Alex, as "one of the best players to ever wear the red shirt".

"He continued to be a familiar and much-loved presence at Gresty Road and in the local area long after his retirement," their tribute added.

"The thoughts and condolences of everybody at Crewe Alexandra are with Johnny's friends and family at this difficult time."

Stoke City boss Mark Robins did "really well" to combine a "solid spine of players" with a "sprinkle of stardust" in the 3-1 win over QPR, according to Potterlytics podcast host George Weaver.

"It just looked like a working, normal football team on the pitch," he told BBC Radio Stoke's A Cold Wet Tuesday Night podcast.

"Then you add into that the sprinkle of stardust in players like [Million] Manhoef who was absolutely fantastic all game.

"His most dangerous self, back to running at people, back to making problems, a really dangerous delivery and a good shot on him as always.

"You add that sprinkle of stardust to a normal functioning defensive six or so and you get a reasonable result at the end of it.

"I saw a Stoke side that put to bed what was in front of them."

Weaver joins presenter Lucas Yeomans and supporter Ben Rowley to discuss the Potters' victory on Saturday, which leaves them four points above the relegation zone.

You can listen to the full episode of A Cold Wet Tuesday Night podcast on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City manager Mark Robins called his side "outstanding" after the Potters' 3-1 victory over Queen's Park Rangers.

In a convincing display, goals from Bae Jun-Ho, Junior Tchamadeu and Million Manhoef earned three vital points in a tight battle at the foot of the Championship.

"I thought for 60 to 65 minutes we were outstanding and then we allowed them for one or two reasons a little bit more possession of the ball," former Coventry boss Robins told BBC Radio Stoke.

"They used it by getting the ball forward as quickly as they possibly could. We had to deal with that threat, that ball as well as we'd done the majority of the game.

"But in that period, the goal against us came which was the only blemish on what was a really good afternoon for us."

The performance was one of the best since Robins arrived in Staffordshire on New Year's Day.

The Potters managed 20 touches in QPR's box and dispossessed Rangers 16 times across the 90 minutes.

"The performance was really good from minute one," added Robins.

"We moved the ball really well, we created some spaces, down the right hand side in particular with Junior and Million but also on the left hand side with Eric (Bocat) and (Bae) Jun-ho.

"I'm delighted for him (Tchamadeu) as well because his performance today deserved that, deserved a win.

"Milly (Manhoef) as well his performance was really strong and I was really pleased to see him return from international duty in the manner that he did because his Thursday training was as good as I've seen from him."

Robins will be hoping for a repeat when Stoke visit Preston North End next Saturday.

Stoke City are one point clear of the Championship relegation zone as they prepare to host QPR on Saturday (15:00 GMT)

QPR have not won an away league game since a 2-1 victory at Hull City on 21 January.

• Stoke City have won just one of their past 11 league games against sides from London (D4 L6), failing to score in seven of those matches.

• QPR have lost just two of their past six away league games against Stoke City (W3 D1), though one of those defeats came last season at the bet365 Stadium (1-0).

• Stoke have lost just one of their past seven home league games (W3 D3), keeping five clean sheets across that time.

• QPR have lost each of their past five away league games, last enduring a longer losing run on their travels between March and August 2018 (six defeats).

• Stoke City's Sam Gallagher has scored six goals against QPR in his career – the most he's netted against any side – including one in his last home match against the London outfit, for Blackburn Rovers in February last season.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City have named former Southampton chief scout Ian Torrance as their new head of recruitment.

He has spent the past year in Italy in a similar role with Serie A club Como and replaces Lee Darnbrough who left the club in February after just eight months.

He becomes Stoke's third head of recruitment in under a year, following the departure of Jared Dublin last May after 11 months in the role.

Torrance spent 13 years with Southampton, eventually becoming chief scout before leaving to join Como in time for their first season back in Italy's top flight.

"We know our work in the transfer market will need to be smart, agile and diligent for us to be successful," said Stoke sporting director Jon Walters., external

"We believe Ian is the right person to help us implement that moving forward."

Mark Robins' Potters lie 20th in the Championship table, a point clear of trouble, going into the final eight games of the season.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Bae Junho has helped South Korea move closer to qualifying for an 11th successive World Cup finals.

The 21-year-old appeared as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw with Oman in Goyang which leaves the Taegeuk Warriors top of their Asian qualifying group.

Wolves midfielder Hwang Hee-Chan gave South Korea a first-half lead only for the visitors to equalise with 10 minutes remaining.

The top two sides will qualify for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico with South Korea six points clear of third-placed Jordan.

Junho earned his seventh cap in the game and will be part of the squad for their next qualifier against Jordan on Tuesday where victory could be enough to confirm their place at the World Cup.

"It's a massive sucker-punch to what seemed like a promising week. It's annoying that a game has been decided by that. It's just a tough one to take."

Stoke City fan and host of the Potterlytics podcast, George Weaver, joins BBC Radio Stoke presenter Lucas Yeomans to discuss the Potters' last-gasp defeat by Millwall at The Den.

You can listen to the full episode of A Cold Wet Tuesday Night podcast on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Stoke City left-back Eric Bocat says the last-gasp defeat at Millwall was a frustrating way to finish domestic matters before the international break.

Mihailo Ivanovic's controversial 94th minute penalty meant the Potters lost their second successive away game in stoppage time with Mark Robins' side now hovering precariously above the relegation zone by just one point.

"I don't think we could have done better than this because we stuck together all game long, we defended together, but that is football," the 25-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Last week against Coventry away it was the same – at the end of the game we conceded a goal at the end and came back home with zero points.

"Yeah, really frustrating, it is what it is but we have to stay focused and keep working together.

"We have a really good team that can hurt anybody in this league. We have eight games now to secure this team in this league."

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke boss Mark Robins was a frustrated man after seeing his side beaten by a "rubbish" stoppage-time goal at Millwall.

Mihailo Ivanovic's penalty, after Ben Wilmot was adjudged to have fouled Josh Coburn, gave the Lions the points after the game looked set to end in stalemate.

"It was a game short on quality all the way through apart from when we got on the ball," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke.

"First half, we played some reasonable football - they're spoilers, they set their stall out to do what they did, but we can't become embroiled in that, which happened in the second half.

"We ended up stopping playing our game, making mistakes, although we created some brilliant openings for Burger and then Junho hit the bar, then other times we picked the wrong option.

"What the referee has seen (for the penalty), I have no clue - their player put his arm inside Ben Wilmot's arm, then rolled, and I don't know what Ben's supposed to do because he can't get away from him, so then they go down together and he's bought the penalty. It's absolutely ridiculous.

"It's happened twice now - the game at Coventry where we conceded a rubbish goal and another rubbish goal at the end of this game."

Stoke will be at home to Queens Park Rangers in their first game after the international break, on 29 March.