Mark Robins has had a busy first month as Stoke City manager, attempting to put his stamp on the squad for the rest of the season.
When Mark Robins came on to become Stoke City manager on New Year’s Day, he must have anticipated a busy season.
There were seven league and cup games to play before the winter transfer deadline, so the squad needed a quick assessment to determine who was available and who should be available right away, as well as who was going to depart and who needed to leave. The injury list needed to be analyzed to see when key players would return, and the market searched for players who could lift the squad out of the Championship danger zone – although with a limited budget due to Financial Fair Play rules.
There are plenty of challenges for Robins and sporting director Jon Walters to overcome as they approach February 3. Here’s a summary of everything we’ve done so far.
The 22-year-old comes in to compete for game time with Eric Bocat, Lynden Gooch, and Enda Stevens, as well as solve a position of need, with Bocat out until the end of February, Gooch in the treatment room, and Stevens struggling to be available for every game.
It reunites the former England youth international with Robins after a 14-game loan spell at Coventry City, which helped the Sky Blues reach the 2022/23 Championship play-off final.
“Josh brings all the physical attributes needed to be a real asset at both ends of the pitch,” according to Walters. “As a left-footed player who can play numerous positions, he brings balance, variety, and quality to our team. Josh, who has Championship experience and was previously a member of a successful side under Mark, is well-prepared to make an impression in a Stoke City shirt.
“When it comes to loan players, you want people who are completely committed to the club, and that has been the case with everyone we’ve brought in this season. I am convinced Josh will be no different. I’m looking forward to seeing him receive the warmest Stoke City welcome from our fans.”
Ali Al Hamadi (loan, Ipswich Town)
Stoke beat off interest from across the Championship to acquire forward Ali Al-Hamadi on loan on January 24.
He joined Portman Road last year after a successful debut season at AFC Wimbledon. With some vital goals, the Iraq international helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League and has since been deployed as a substitute.
Walters stated, “Strikers with real pedigree are one of the most difficult commodities to get in any transfer window, so getting Ali across the line is a major lift for us all. We are happy that he has chosen to join Stoke City after receiving strong attention from other clubs.
“Ali’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself, but it’s his unwavering hard work ethic that truly embodies what we stand for as a club. We have no doubt that our fans will warm to Ali, and we wish him continued success in a Stoke City shirt.”
Recalled
Lewis Baker(Blackburn Rovers)
On January 8, midfielder Baker was called back from Blackburn.
He had scored against Robins’ then-Coventry side on Stoke’s opening day, and he was even mentioned by Robins after Coventry triumphed 1-0 at the bet365 Stadium in February of last season.
Walters stated, “As we look to improve our squad for the second half of the season, it was clear in discussions with Mark that he believes Lewis can play an important role in our squad.”
“With nearly 300 professional appearances, Lewis will bring vital experience to the group, and our supporters will be well aware of his technical ability. He started all four of Blackburn’s festive fixtures and returns primed to make an immediate impact.
Nathan Lowe (Wallsall)
Lowe was called back from Walsall on January 12.
The 19-year-old striker has 18 goals in 30 appearances for the League Two leaders and had returned the week before to train with the Robins. He was selected the EFL’s young player of the month in October and League Two’s player of the month in December.
Before making the choice, Robins stated: “He is obviously scoring goals at League Two level, and as we discussed the other day, the goals don’t move. We need to improve our team’s ability to create regular opportunities for forwards to score goals by putting hungry players in good positions to find the ball. In either case, we have talented players who can score.”
Out
Tom Cannon (Recalled by Leicester City)
Leicester City re-signed Tom Cannon in the penultimate hour before the January 14 deadline.
The 22-year-old striker has 11 goals for Stoke this season, but his form has piqued the interest of Championship clubs like as Sheffield United and Sunderland, which are chasing promotion. Sheff Utd eventually signed him for £10 million.
Stoke City issued a statement saying: “Tom has our gratitude for his dedication to the Stoke City cause throughout his loan time with the club. We wish him luck in the future.”
Freddie Anderson (Loan, Cork City).
On January 23, Freddie Anderson joined Cork City on loan for the whole League of Ireland Premier Division season.
Leicester City re-signed Tom Cannon in the final hour before the January 14 deadline.
The 22-year-old striker has 11 goals for Stoke this season, but his performance has aroused the interest of Championship clubs like as Sheffield United and Sunderland, who are vying for promotion. Sheff United finally signed him for £10 million.
Stoke City published a statement saying: “Tom has our gratitude for his dedication to the Stoke City cause during his loan period with the club. We wish him luck for the future.”
Dara McGuiness (Finland Harps)
Dara McGuinness, a youth striker, joined Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Division One on January 27.
The 20-year-old attacker joined Stoke in the summer of 2022 and has played regularly for the under-21s, as well as on loan at Leek Town earlier this season.
He has now returned to Ireland to join Finn Harps ahead of the new season, which begins on February 14 with an away trip to Kerry.
Niall Ennis (on loan to Blackpool).
On January 30, Niall Ennis joined League One Blackpool on loan until the end of the season, two days shy of his year anniversary as a Stoke City player.
Walters stated: “With limited opportunities in our squad and interest from several clubs, we felt this was the best move for Niall at this time.” He has previously been successful in the league, and we hope that this loan will provide him with the necessary playing time. “We wish Niall the best of luck at Bloomfield Road.”
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