Stoke City have announced former Coventry City boss Mark Robins as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Robins, who was a candidate to take over at Hull City last month following the departure of Tim Walter, before Ruben Selles emerged as the leading candidate and took over at the MKM Stadium.

The former Scunthorpe United boss, who was sacked by Coventry in early November, will be in the stands at Turf Moor on New Year's Day to watch his new side take on Burnley, with Ryan Shawcross taking temporary charge for a second game in a row.

READ MORE: Man in court after 'threatening violence' to police at Hull Fair

READ MORE: Hull City have big transfer decision to make over Manchester City man

Robins replaces Narcis Pelach who lost his job last week after the 2-0 home loss to Leeds United left the Potters treading water above the drop zone, and becomes the ninth man to take charge at the bet365 Stadium since 2018 following the departure of Mark Hughes.

Stoke's new backroom setup will see coaches Paul Nevin and James Rowberry join Ashton-born Robins, with him taking charge for the first time when they host managerless Plymouth Argyle at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. Nevin and Rowberry, currently England-Under 20s and Wales senior team assistant coaches, respectively, have joined as assistant managers.

"We are delighted to welcome Mark, Paul and James to the Stoke City family," director of football Jon Walters said.

“At Coventry, Mark built something successful with a real identity and longevity and he left the Club in a significantly better place than he found it. That’s exactly what we want to achieve at Stoke City, and he has all the pedigree and experience to help us do that.

“With a record like that behind him, Mark was always going to be in great demand, so we’re delighted that he sees an exciting opportunity to build something special in the Potteries.

“Welcoming two assistant managers of such calibre and with such innovative and progressive mindsets in Paul and James is another important part of how we will seek to progress and grow.

“The immediate mission is to climb as high as we can up the Championship table during the second half of this season, whilst also laying foundations for a long-term successful future for our club.”

Meanwhile, Potters chairman and owner John Coates said the appointment of the ex-Sky Blues boss was an exciting moment for the Staffordshire outfit, who come to the MKM Stadium on February 1.

“With the proven track record Mark brings to the role, I believe this is a genuinely exciting moment for Stoke City," Coates said.

“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.”