Former Reading striker Mark Robins has been appointed new manager at Championship side Stoke City on a long-term contract.

The Coventry City legend spent seven years with the Sky Blues and took them from League Two to the brink of the Premier League, losing the Championship play-off final to Luton Town.

As well as winning an EFL Trophy, the 55-year-old took the club to the FA Cup semi-final where they narrowly lost to eventual winners, Manchester United.

After a poor start to this season, Robins was controversially sacked in November and replaced with Frank Lampard.

As a player, Robins failed to score in seven appearances for Reading in 1997 but was a striker across the Premier League and EFL between 1998 and 2004.

Stoke have already sacked two managers this season, with Steven Schumacher and Narcís Pèlach removed from their positions before the beginning of 2025.

Taking charge of his first match on Saturday, Chair John Coates said: “With the proven track record Mark brings to the role, I believe this is a genuinely exciting moment for Stoke City.

“The recent win over Sunderland, with the way the team competed on the field and connected with the fans, gave everyone a huge boost and provided a glimpse of what can be created at our club.

“Ryan Shawcross has the sincere thanks of us all for the diligent and inspiring way he has taken to being in caretaker charge.

“We all remain right behind him for this afternoon’s match against Burnley and look forward to his sterling work within our Academy continuing once Mark takes the first team reins.”