Nzonzi is back in red and white: See Green Un

MARK Robins is pleased with the progress Stoke City have made this summer.

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The Potters boss has spent preseason changing the fundamentals of how the squad intend to set up ahead of the new Championship campaign - through the hard work of his coaching staff and a handful of new signings.

Stoke kick off their new season today with the visit of Derby County to the bet365 Stadium, with the Rams being equally busy on the recruitment front over the course of the summer having, like Stoke, survived the threat of relegation at the back end of last season when these two teams played out a goalless draw at Pride Park.

Robins, similarly to opposing number John Eustace, was introduced midway through last season and tasked with steering Stoke to safety, something he managed ultimately successfully - but now, on the eve of his first full campaign in charge, the boss is focused on hitting the ground running having established a new way of working in preseason.

"I'm excited as I think everybody is," Robins said.