'No-one wants club to be in this position' - Robins

Stoke City boss Mark Robins says the club is looking to further improve the squad as it looks to end a run of disappointing seasons. Since relegation from the Premier League in 2018, the Potters have failed to challenge for promotion, with a highest finish of 14th in eight subsequent campaigns. Robins' side made a good start to last season, but a run of injuries and poor form saw them finish in 17th. In June, the club's sporting director, Jonathan Walters, dismissed speculation over Robins' future , but the manager knows patience is wearing thin over the club's predicament. "I want to improve it [the squad], we all want to improve it as quickly as possible, as much as possible, and do as much as we possibly can do to do it," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "I think players have had opportunity. There's been too much time and too many years that the club has been in the position that it's been in and nobody wants that to continue, so get on board." Yet Robins was pleased with his side's display in their final pre-season test on Saturday - a 1-1 draw with Valencia which followed a win over Everton. "I think you can see there's a good togetherness but also a good team that's being built," he said. "If they work like that then they've got a good chance because we've got some players with a threat." Latest Stoke City news, analysis and fan views