Stoke City Must Shed Image of English Football's Incurable Club

A Season of Struggles and Hope

Stoke City's 2025/26 season has been a rollercoaster, with the club seemingly ending several weeks ago, yet the fixtures kept coming. Despite the challenges, the loyal fanbase continues to support the team, as seen in the recent match at Bristol City, which saw an 11th sell-out away end. This unwavering support is a testament to the deep connection between the club and its fans.

The first three-and-a-half months of the season were genuinely encouraging, but a series of injuries to key players derailed any progress. The team struggled to score goals, defend effectively, and pick up points, leading to a disappointing start. Mark Robins, the manager, has acknowledged these challenges, highlighting that the season promised much but delivered little. Since dropping out of the Premier League, Stoke has consistently finished in the wrong half of the Championship, with eight consecutive seasons no higher than 14th place.

Mark Robins' Determination

Despite the setbacks, Mark Robins remains determined to fight on, believing he is the right man to turn things around. His efforts are supported by sporting director Jon Walters and chairman John Coates, provided they have the backing of the fanbase. Robins is adamant that it is not the time to throw the baby out with the bathwater and start again. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of hard work over the summer to prepare for the next season.

“People can look at this club from the outside and be lazy,” Robins said before the match at Ashton Gate. “There are a lot of good things that go on here. What I understand is that the heady times of Premier League football were eight years ago, and people want that back desperately. It isn’t just a given. You can’t take it for granted. You’ve got to work hard for it and you need everyone together.”

Addressing the Challenges

Robins pointed out that the club has a wealthy owner willing to spend money, but it’s not a given that success will follow. He emphasized the need to build and ensure that players don’t get injured. Injuries have had a significant impact on the team's performance, and Robins wants to move away from that. He also highlighted the poor away form, noting that while the team won the first two away games, the results fell off due to injuries.

“We’ve lost eight at home, 12 away, we’ve conceded the first goal far too many times away from home and not gotten back in. We’re second lowest scorers away from home and we have to put those things right,” Robins stated.

Preparing for the Future

Looking ahead, Robins mentioned that the players will have a lot of work to do over the summer. They will need time off to recover physically and mentally before preparing for the next season. The club plans to change the way it operates, aiming to compete and minimize injuries that have hindered their progress.

From the players’ perspective, the club and supporters can see that the season has been unsuccessful, but there are lessons to be learned. The club aims to make changes, recruit where necessary, and be better for the next season.

Looking Ahead

As the season comes to an end, the focus shifts to the summer. The club needs to address several areas, including player fitness, defensive stability, and offensive efficiency. With the play-off places going down to eighth next year in this division, teams that keep players fit, do the basics right, and play as a coherent team can go a long way.

Stoke City has a lot to think about as they head back north. While they may be labeled as one of English football’s most depressing clubs, there is still hope for the future. The season may be over, but the excitement for the next one is already building.

Staying Connected

For the latest updates on Stoke City, fans can join the new WhatsApp group to receive news directly on their phones. There are also daily newsletters, dedicated reporters, and mobile apps available to keep fans informed. Whether through social media, email, or mobile apps, there are multiple ways to stay connected with the club and its journey.