'FANS PLAYED MASSIVE PART IN US STAYING UP'

Potters boss says last few months have been among toughest as a manager

- Peter Smith

MARK Robins admits his first few months as Stoke City manager have been some of the toughest of his managerial career as he secured Championship safety on the final day.

Robins became the third Stoke manager of the season when he took charge on January 1, with key players suffering long-term injuries.

They went into the last fixture as one of five clubs who could end up in the third relegation spot, including opponents Derby County - but only Stoke knew that just a point would be enough to ensure it wasn't them.

They played out a goalless draw at Pride Park while Hull and Preston picked up away draws and Luton were demoted after a loss at West Brom.

Robins said: "The game was rubbish but we ended up both getting what we needed and that was the most important thing.