FEELGOOD FACTOR

Robins detects change in atmosphere as City aim to build on flying start

- Peter Smith

MARK Robins can sense a powerful changing mood around Stoke City similar to one he galvanised and lived through at Coventry as his team heads to London hoping to continue a flying start to the season.

Stoke are in action at Queens Park Rangers today (12.30pm) on the back of winning four of their opening five games this season, sitting second in the early Championship table.

It is their best start to a season since 1998, they are bidding to win three away matches on the spin for the first time since 2005 and they will be backed by a sellout away end at Loftus Road.

Robins had arrived in January with an initial mission to keep the club safe from relegation.

But he has seen the atmosphere transform around the bet365 Stadium over the following eight-and-a-half months.

He believes a connection is growing between supporters, players and leadership, backed up by performances and results on the pitch.