Mark Robins: Stoke City boss on difficulties he has faced since taking over

Key to that will be changing a pattern of perennial underachievement for a club that has failed to muster a serious promotion bid since being relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2017-18 season.

In fact, this past campaign has seen Stoke finish in their lowest league position (18th) with their worst points return (51) in the seven seasons since.

“We’re desperate to make this a success,” Robins said.

“The things we’re putting in place will take time to come to fruition. We want to build something special. I didn’t come here for a relegation battle.

“Whether it’s me taking them back into the Premier League or someone else, because we’ve done the work, then I’m not bothered. It’s not about me.

“It’s going to be a summer of hard work. It’s a really good time to make some decisions and we have to get those decisions right.”