Stoke City

Mark Robins’ Bold Half-Time Move Sparks Speculation as Stoke City Enter Season’s Crucial Final Stretch

April 14, 2025 RAYMOND 0

In a tense encounter at Cardiff, Mark Robins made a decisive half-time substitution, swapping Ali Al-Hamadi for Sam Gallagher to ensure Stoke City maintained a full squad on the pitch. Al-Hamadi, who had returned to the starting line-up after a two-week recovery from a hip injury, was involved in creating an early chance for Lewis Baker. However, his yellow card for a foul in first-half stoppage time, following an earlier warning, led Robins to act swiftly.

Robins explained after the match that the decision was a tactical one, aimed at keeping Stoke’s momentum intact without risking another booking. “Ali had run about, but I just felt he was a little bit hot-headed,” Robins said. “I couldn’t risk them throwing themselves to the ground and the referee… it was all on edge.” The move proved crucial, as Gallagher came on and helped Stoke secure a vital 1-0 victory, stretching their lead over Cardiff to five points with just four games remaining in the Championship season.

We’ve Got to Start Picking These Points Up’ – Mark Robins Lays Down the Gauntlet Ahead of Crucial Stoke City Clash at Cardiff City

April 12, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Ahead of Stoke City’s crucial match against Cardiff City, Mark Robins expressed optimism despite the challenges his team faces. With only five matches remaining in the Championship season, Stoke are sitting just two points above the relegation zone, making the Cardiff clash a potentially season-defining encounter. Robins remains positive after an unbeaten run since the international break, with a win over QPR and draws against Preston North End and Luton Town. “Those performances are the things that start to pick up points,” Robins said, emphasizing that Stoke are building momentum.

While the late equalizer conceded to Luton could have been a morale blow, Robins remains focused on the task ahead. “For us it’s all to play for,” he said, highlighting the opportunities still available for his side to survive. With key players like Josh Wilson-Esbrand nearing a return, Stoke’s injury issues seem to be easing, which could prove vital in the final stretch of the season. Robins also praised the unwavering support from Stoke’s fans, with over 1,600 supporters making the long trip to Cardiff. “They’ve been vocal in a really positive way,” Robins added, acknowledging the vital role the fans play as the team battles to retain their Championship status.

Behind Closed Doors: Inside Stoke City’s Tense Dressing Room Ahead of Cardiff ‘Cup Final’ Showdown

April 10, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Stoke City returned to training today with a heightened sense of urgency ahead of a critical Championship showdown against Cardiff City, a match Wouter Burger has dubbed a “cup final.” The Potters know that a win in South Wales would be a massive step toward securing their Championship status, with just a handful of games remaining. Backed by over 1,500 fans, Stoke will face Cardiff with a two-point advantage, having slipped to a frustrating draw against Luton Town midweek after conceding a last-minute equalizer.

Burger admitted the team was hurting after dropping two valuable points, but there was no time for regret. “We just have to stay together,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the next game. Manager Mark Robins echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that late goals have become a painful trend but stressing that the team must quickly recover and look ahead to the challenges that remain. “There’s still a long way to go,” Robins said. “A lot of work to be done, but we’re still alive in this fight.”

Stoke City Player Ratings vs Luton: Curse Strikes Yet Again as Relegation Scrap Takes Dark Turn

April 8, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Stoke City’s hopes of a crucial win were dashed once again in heart-wrenching fashion, as a 90th-minute equaliser from Luton Town saw them settle for a 1-1 draw at the bet365 Stadium. In a game loaded with tension and high stakes, Lewis Baker’s deflected free-kick gave Stoke the lead late on, only for the familiar sting of stoppage-time heartbreak to strike. It’s the third time in just six matches that the Potters have let vital points slip away in the dying moments — a trend that now threatens to drag them deeper into the relegation mire with just five games remaining.