Robins encouraged by Stoke business as window prepares to shut

STOKE City head into the final few hours of the summer transfer window still exploring 11th hour opportunities to build on their strong start to the season.

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They have covered most positions in what has been a significant renovation of the squad for Mark Robins’ first full season as manager, with Tomas Rigo becoming the 11th signing when he was unveiled on Saturday morning.

They have brought in a young goalkeeper, experienced left-back, two centre-backs, three midfielders, two wingers and two centre-forwards — and those that have come in look like better, more robust footballers than those that have left.

Robins, like any manager worth his salt, would obviously like more. He has talked about stronger competition at right-back and late subs on Saturday perhaps suggested he’d want the same in the front line too, although players coming back to fitness will help on that score.