'I'M LOVING THE CHALLENGE'

MARK Robins has rewound back to his first press conference to reiterate that managing Stoke City is no impossible job - as he tries to complete his first big task and keep the club in the Championship.

- Peter Smith

Stoke head to Derby County for the final game of the season (12.30pm) knowing that a point will guarantee their place in the division.

It is a five-way fight to avoid the third spot in the relegation zone, including Derby themselves as well as Hull, Luton and Preston.

Robins knew the challenge he was taking on when he was appointed on New Year's Day and was reminded that eight managers had sat in the same chair since the start of 2018, trying to drag the Potters back in the right direction.

But he has embraced the club, saying: "I've loved it, I've loved every minute. The challenge is there and it's significant. It was said to me at the start of it that it was an impossible job and it's been branded as that but it's not, it isn't an impossible job.

"There are ups and downs in every walk of life and everyday life so you embrace the challenges and you attack them head on.