Stoke appoint Robins as new manager

LONDON: Stoke have appointed Mark Robins as their new manager, the English Championship side announced Wednesday. 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.