Stoke academy

Mark Robins has praised Stoke City’s rising stars Nathan Lowe and Sol Sidibe, celebrating their nominations for EFL awards as a reflection of their talent and commitment. Both players, who have risen through the club’s academy from a young age, impressed during the first half of the season—Lowe with a prolific loan spell at Walsall, and Sidibe as a standout England youth captain. While injuries and limited game time have hampered their progress in recent months, Robins remains confident in their potential and believes they are setting the standard for others in the academy to follow.

“They’re the trailblazers,” Robins said. “It’s great for them, great for the club, and hopefully a sign of what’s to come from our academy.”