Stoke City transfer latest as 'great decision' hands Mark Robins welcome squad boost
Mark Robins will be able to call on Lewis Baker immediately as Stoke City start their FA Cup campaign this weekend.
Baker, aged 29, has returned to Stoke after Robins triggered a recall clause to end a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers that was supposed to run until the end of the midfielder's contract this summer.
He will add experience to a young squad - and a goal threat to a side that has only been able to score once in the last five games and just five times in the last 10.
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The verdict from Stoke
Sporting director Jon Walters said: “As we look to enhance our squad for the second half of the campaign, it was clear in discussions with Mark that he believes Lewis can play an important role in our squad.
“With the best part of 300 career appearances to his name, Lewis will add invaluable experience to the group, while his technical ability is something our supporters will be well aware of. Having started each of Blackburn’s four fixtures over the festive period, he returns ready to make an immediate impact.”
The verdict from Blackburn
Blackburn boss John Eustace is sorry to lose Baker, who had made 13 appearances for a team trying to stay in the play-off picture.
He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “Lewis has been fantastic on and off the pitch – most important off the pitch really. He is a leader and his experience has really helped the group through some good times and difficult times.
“He has been brilliant with the young boys, he is a top professional and that is the reason we brought him to the football club. We knew what we would get from him and he is going to be missed.
“Especially a player of Lewis’ quality, when a club gets a new manager there is always that risk and unfortunately we have lost him, but it will give somebody else an opportunity now."
The verdict of Stoke fans
Nick Zwetschinikow: Should never have let him go out on loan. By far the best midfielder in our squad if played in his proper position. First name on the team sheet for the Sunderland game. Well done Robins.
Tim Kynnersley: Great decision Mark Robins, he is just what we need in our midfield at the moment.
Grahame Edwards: I always thought him and Burger were a great partnership when they had the chance.
Jason McMurdo: Happy he’s coming back. Push him up in midfield and he will get goals.
Kieran Wilkins: Yes! Happy with that. Was sad when we loaned him out for whatever reason.
Chris Hughes: About time too. He's been missed.
The verdict of Rovers fans
Natapope Sarakhette: Sorry to hear. He play decently for us, especially holding the ground on Travis absence. Good luck Baker.
Richard Henry: That’s a kick in the guts. Anyway it’s time for Buckley - cometh the hour cometh the man. If he gets a run in the side hopefully that talent will come back.
Sheila Roberts: He was definitely improving in my opinion. Shame to lose him. Good luck to him. Really need to open the wallet now.
Iain Dorricott: Big loss, so needs replacing and hopefully someone comes and takes Buckley and JRC off our books so we can get better squad players in..
Gaz Millson: Big loss I think. He's been decent the last few games, injuries are killing us.
Mark Whalley: Rated Baker, so now it's desperation times until Travis comes back. Buckley ain't a Championship midfielder and Garrett couldn't even get in a League One team. JRC probably best of a bad bunch unless we sign someone this week.
Robins looks at other loanees
Robins has also summoned young loan duo Nathan Lowe and Tommy Simkin back to Clayton Wood this week, giving them the chance to be introduced to the new set-up – and to try to catch his eye.
The academy graduates have been key players as Walsall have opened up a 10-point lead at the top of League Two heading into the second half of the season. Striker Lowe, aged 19, has scored 17 times in all competitions while 20-year-old keeper Simkin has kept 12 clean sheets.
They will already know one of Robins' new assistants, Paul Nevin, who has called up both for England under-20s duty this season.
Lowe has this week been nominated for League Two player of the month for December, having already been named EFL young player of the month in October. Walsall are next in action on Saturday, at home to Tranmere.
Who else is out on loan?
Ryan Mmaee is yet to kick a ball out at Rapid Vienna while Nikola Jojic is back at hometown club Mladost Lucani in Serbia. Rookie centre-back Luke Badley-Morgan is with Airdrieonians.
Current Stoke City senior squad
Between the sticks: Johansson, Bonham, Fielding
At the back: Tchamadeu, Gooch, Bocat, Stevens, Wilmot, Gibson, Phillips, Rose, Dixon
In the middle: Baker, Burger, Seko, Thompson, Sidibe, Lawal, Pearson, Moran
Up front: Junho, Vidigal, Koumas, Manhoef, Cannon. Gallagher, Tezgel, Ennis