THE WAY I SEE IT

MARK Robins is really challenging his players at the moment as the next step in what looks like progress at Stoke City. I like it.

- By Mike Pejic

He is building trust, which is a two-way thing. Players want to know what they're getting from their manager and he's consistent with his demands and doesn't make rash decisions.

He, in turn, is laying down what's expected. He knows and they know what's required in each role and he's not afraid to make changes, home or away, if they fall short.

The door doesn't look like it's shut to anyone but everyone is being pushed.

Ben Pearson has been taken off at halftime in his last two starts, for example, once when he was on a booking at QPR and then when he got away with dangling a foot in the area at Middlesbrough.