Doug's decision has paved way for Potters to write new chapter

WHEN Coventry City get around to building a statue for Mark Robins, Stoke fans will be among the pilgrims.

- Peter Smith

FLYING HIGH: Mark Robins has led Stoke City to second place in the early Championship table.

Everyone knows what an achievement it was for Robins over the best part of eight years at Coventry, hauling the club from League Two to challenge for a place in the Premier League and reach an FA Cup semifinal with a near-constant backdrop of turmoil.

He put in place a squad that now sets the Championship pace and had even tried to recruit Matt Grimes - Frank Lampard’s one key permanent signing over the last 12 months - the summer before he got his controversial heave-ho.

But that sacking started two new chapters.

It was auspicious timing for Stoke that Robins had had just enough time to catch his breath and be ready for a new challenge when they were looking for a new manager at the turn of the year.

Robins is the first to deflect plaudits for Stoke’s transformation over the 10 months since then, keeping the team in the Championship first before a stellar start to this season to set up a top of the table reunion with Coventry at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday (3pm).