'Huge pivot' claim made as Stoke City pull out all the stops to land Mark Robins
Stoke City have recruited a “fantastic manager” in Mark Robins - but it is a move that will mean big changes behind the scenes at Clayton Wood.
Sky Sports discussed the appointment of the former Coventry City boss on a three-and-a-half year contract at the bet365 Stadium, and his work with the Sky Blues was praised by pundit Jamie Mackie.
He told viewers: “I think he's a fantastic manager and he was doing an amazing job at Coventry against a tough backdrop. He overachieved for me at Coventry for many a season, doing a brilliant job.”
However, the former QPR, Forest and Plymouth striker believed the Stoke City hierarchy had made a big change in their approach to lure Robins after the sacking of two head coaches in Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach already this season.
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Mackie explained: “I think it's an interesting pivot at Stoke - and it is a huge pivot because they've gone from a director of football and sort of head coach role to just a manager in Mark Robins.
“I thought Stephen Schumacher there got sacked prematurely for me, especially after having a preseason and going so quickly into this season.
“I don't see Robins as a head coach type who's not going to want to have a say in terms of recruitment and the day-to-day running of a football club.
“Maybe he's gone in on that basis and said he's fine with that, but I don't see it that way. I see him as a traditional manager.
“He's brought in two top coaches with him (Paul Nevin and James Rowberry), which tells me that they're going to be on the grass, so yes I see this appointment as a pivot away from what I feel Stoke were looking to do with previous men in charge.”
Robins was absent yesterday as the Potters claimed a precious point at promotion-chasers Burnley, reported to be scouting and preparing for his first game in charge - at home to Plymouth on Saturday.
And bottom side Plymouth, who sacked manager Wayne Rooney on New Year’s Eve, showed their fighting spirit by grabbing a last-gasp equaliser to claim a 2-2 draw with Bristol City.
Schumacher is the hot favourite to return to Home Park after he quit the club to join Stoke last season after leading the Pilgrims to promotion from League One.
