OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Midfielder Baker ready to make the most of life under Potters boss Robins

- Peter Smith

LEWIS Baker is embracing a new chance at Stoke City under a manager who is straight with him.

The midfielder has had a rollercoaster time at the bet365 Stadium since joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022.

He was made captain by Michael O'Neill after a stunning goal scoring return in his first few months but pushed into the cold by Alex Neil and then out by Steven Schumacher, joining Blackburn Rovers on a loan deal that was due to take him up to the end of his contract.

But he was brought back in by Mark Robins in one of the manager's first moves after taking charge in January and ended the season as second top scorer as he helped secure Championship status.

Stoke took up the option to extend his deal for another 12 months and now the 30-year-old is back for pre-season, hoping for and expecting happier times.