ROBINS' POTTERS DELIGHT

Stoke manager admits new contract came out of the blue - but he's ready to repay club's faith

- Peter Smith

MARK Robins says his commitment to Stoke City is never in doubt, new contract or not, as he reiterates how much he loves his job.

Robins yesterday signed a new three-and-a-half year contract while his coaching team - Paul Nevin, James Rowberry, Ryan Shawcross and Darren Behcet - have also en masse agreed new deals.

The 55-year-old, who was appointed in January, insists the reward at this stage has taken him by surprise and he is determined to repay the show of faith.

He said: "Honestly, it came out of the blue. I've got to thank John Coates and Jon Walters really.

"Now we've got to achieve something. We've got to go and achieve something. I think tangibly it makes something to go and win something and then be rewarded makes sense, but for this to come out of the blue I am very appreciative.

"As well as that, the staff being rewarded with new contracts is really important. The work they do can't be underestimated.

"They work their socks off. They are very, very good at what they do. It was really important to get things settled for them.