'He's brilliant, he really is brilliant... whatever happens, he's brilliant'

MARK Robins has spoken about the value he already places on his relationship with Stoke City owner John Coates.

- Peter Smith

Robins cut a contrasting figure with opposite number Danny Rohl after Stoke's important win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, with Rohl visibly exasperated by off-the-pitch challenges at Hillsborough while Robins was explaining that Stoke's set-up was one of the main draws to join the club in January.

Robins was appointed on New Year's Day with a first mission of making sure Stoke were in the Championship next season and a run of three wins and two draws since returning from the last international break has put them in a strong position heading into the final three fixtures, including today's trip to title-chasing Leeds United.