Portugal Colonial - Championship side Stoke appoint Robins as new manager

Robins, previously in charge of second-tier rivals Coventry, will take over following Wednesday's trip to Burnley, where interim manager Ryan Shawcross will remain in charge of Stoke.

Robins, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract, is Stoke's third full-time manager of the season after both Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach were sacked.

Former Manchester United forward Robins led Coventry to the FA Cup semi-finals last season and oversaw two promotions during his nearly eight years in charge.

But he was dismissed by the Midlands club in November, with Coventry having won just four of their opening 14 league games this season.

Stoke, three points behind Coventry, will go into the Burnley game in 18th place in the table after only six wins from 24 games.

Potters sporting director Jon Walters welcomed Robins's appointment by saying: "At Coventry, Mark built something successful with a real identity and longevity and he left the club in a significantly better place than he found it.

"That's exactly what we want to achieve at Stoke City, and he has all the pedigree and experience to help us do that."

R.J.Fidalgo--PC