Stoke City manager Mark Robins will start his second full season at the helm tomorrow, with a Carabao Cup first-round tie against Oldham Athletic. Robins grew up in the shadow of Boundary Park, the home of Oldham Athletic, and even played for a junior team called Boundary Park Juniors. In an interview, Robins reflected on his happy times learning the game in Chadderton, where he would often run on the track at Westwood Park. He also mentioned his time at North Chadderton Comprehensive School and Lilleshall, where he developed his passion for football.
What happened?
Robins' childhood team, Boundary Park Juniors, was closely affiliated with Oldham Athletic, although they played at a distance from the main stadium. Robins' junior team would often train at Clayton playing fields, which he believes is still there today. He also mentioned his time at Norwich in 1992, where he left to pursue his football career.
Why it matters for Stoke City
Robins' roots in Oldham are a testament to his dedication to the game. His experience playing for Boundary Park Juniors has given him a unique perspective on the club and its history. As he prepares to face Oldham Athletic in the Carabao Cup, Robins is likely to draw on his childhood memories to motivate his team.
What comes next?
Stoke City are currently 17th in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games, and a goal difference of -5. They are 40 points behind leaders Coventry and have a tough fixture ahead of them, with a Carabao Cup tie against Oldham Athletic. Robins will be looking to his team to perform well and make a strong start to the season.
The loan move for young winger Favour Fawunmi has been sanctioned by Stoke City, with the player not eligible to play this weekend. Robins has expressed his confidence in Fawunmi's abilities, saying that he has been working hard and is ready to play. The player's spell at Leyton Orient has done him a world of good, according to Robins, and he believes that he will be a valuable asset to the team.
By chance, another name from Robins' childhood has appeared at Stoke City this summer: Mark Sertori, who has joined the medical department. The former England and Manchester City masseur has arrived following a spell as head of performance at Roma to work alongside Damian Roden. Robins has known Sertori for a long time, having played with his cousin Peter at Boundary Park Juniors.
Robins will be looking to his team to perform well and make a strong start to the season. With a tough fixture ahead of them, he will be relying on his team's experience and determination to overcome the challenge. The Carabao Cup tie against Oldham Athletic will be a test of Stoke City's mettle, but Robins is confident that his team will rise to the occasion.
Next fixture
Stoke City's next fixture is against Middlesbrough, away on 17th February 2027. The team will be looking to bounce back from their Carabao Cup tie against Oldham Athletic and make a strong start to the season. With a tough fixture ahead of them, Robins will be relying on his team's experience and determination to overcome the challenge.
League standing
Stoke City are currently 17th in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games, and a goal difference of -5. They are 40 points behind leaders Coventry and have a tough fixture ahead of them, with a Carabao Cup tie against Oldham Athletic.
Goals this season
Stoke City have scored 51 goals and conceded 56 this season, with a goal difference of -5. They will be looking to improve their goal-scoring record and reduce their conceded tally in the coming weeks.
