Sporting director Walters says 'everyone's on the same page' behind the scenes at Stoke

JON Walters has been enjoying his first summer working with Mark Robins as, just like Robins, he emphasises the importance of alignment in the Stoke City hierarchy.

- Peter Smith

Walters' second summer as sporting director has been the first at the club for manager Robins and head of recruitment Ian Torrance, all reporting to owner and chairman John Coates.

They have brought in 11 new signings and an encouraging start once the actual football got under way, with three wins out of four in the league.

"It's been really good," said Walters. "I think it was important that when a season finishes, having been survival mode season, that the coaching team can have a break.

"You need to switch off and relax and recharge to be ready to go again. That's really important.