The long-awaited debut of Mark Robins as Stoke City’s head coach is set to take place this Thursday in an exciting match against Plymouth Argyle.
Robins, 55, is under pressure to demonstrate he is the right choice to lead the club’s revival. Stoke, currently in 19th place, will host Plymouth, who sit at the bottom of the EFL Championship standings, at the Bet365 Stadium.
This match is pivotal for both sides. Plymouth enters the game in poor form, with over ten consecutive matches without a victory, a streak that includes several defeats and draws. Stoke, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on this opportunity to secure three valuable points and climb out of the lower regions of the table.
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A Positive Record to Build On
Stoke City has enjoyed a favorable recent record against Plymouth. In their last three encounters, Stoke has emerged victorious twice, including a 1-0 win earlier this season on September 31. This history adds to the confidence that Robins can make a strong start to his tenure.
The warmest of Stoke City welcomes to our new Manager, Mark Robins.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 1, 2025
Mark will take over following the conclusion of today’s match against Burnley, for which Ryan Shawcross remains in caretaker charge.
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The match will also offer Robins the chance to implement his tactical vision and evaluate the squad’s performance. Key players like South Korean midfielder Bae Jun-ho, who has struggled to replicate last season's form, and Million Manhoef, who has been inconsistent, will need to step up to ensure success.
They prepare for the debut of the FA Cup
A win against Plymouth would not only improve Stoke's position in the league but also set the tone for their upcoming matches, including a critical FA Cup tie against Sunderland on January 11. Fans are eager to see how Robins will manage the squad and whether his appointment will reignite the team’s potential.
This debut represents more than just three points—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Stoke City under Robins’ leadership. A victory would affirm the club’s decision to hire him and give the team much-needed momentum heading into the second half of the season.