This season 'feels different' for Stoke - Robins

Stoke City played their last Premier League match 3,007 days ago to date [Getty Images] Stoke City boss Mark Robins says things around the club "feel different" heading into the new season - and that they remain desperate to end their near-decade absence from the Premier League. Robins is preparing for his second full season in charge, hoping to return the Potters to the top flight for the first time since relegation in 2018. In the eight seasons since, Stoke have failed to mount a sustained challenge for promotion, finishing 16th, 15th, 14th, 14th,16th, 17th, 18th and 17th, with relegation more of a threat in recent campaigns. Last season - Robin's first full one - suggested a potential shift, with the club second in the Championship after winning eight of their first 14 games, but an injury crisis and loss of form derailed their campaign. Despite that record, Robins, speaking at a fans' forum broadcast on BBC Radio Stoke , said it is important to focus on the future, not the past, as they approach this term. "We can't look at where we've been over the last seven or eight years - and it has been really disappointing for everybody that's been there all the time," he said. "And each season that goes by, it's even more of a kick in the teeth. "This season has changed. It's different. It's positive; we're looking forward to everything. "That's not to say that it wasn't last season, (but) it feels different." Improved Bozenik wants to be Stoke's top striker Stoke must push the bar higher - Cresswell Stoke squad must run through brick walls - Robins Ambitious Stoke a good fit for me - Galbraith Stoke have made major changes on and off the field in the summer, changing up their sports science department and training in a bid to address last season's injury problems, as well as refreshing their academy structure. Added to that has been the continued financial support of owner and chairman John Coates, with five new signings brought in so far, including £10m midfielder Ethan Galbraith. Coates told the forum he felt Stoke should be "in the conversation" over a play-off place, which now extends to eighth spot, and "would like that to be so" come next May. That message was one Robins said he understood. He said: "Here there is an expectation, we've got to manage the expectation, the way John's run the club, the way John's helped put things together, things are changing. "But it takes time. It's not excuses. This season feels different, and it could be the start of something. It could be the start of something brilliant. "I felt like we'd got somewhere last season and I felt that we had an inordinate amount of injuries which derailed the season. It's as simple as that. "It's difficult to stomach for me because we put a lot of work and a lot of effort into that. John's put a lot of money into that. It's something that I take really, really seriously. "We're desperate to get promoted, desperate to get promoted for everybody. "There has been good investment this summer. I'm pleased with the way things are shaping up. Things are moving in a real positive direction." Stoke will begin their season with a Carabao Cup tie against Oldham on Saturday, before their Championship action gets under way at home to Swansea City on 16 August. That is followed by away trips to Southampton and newly-relegated Wolves. Stoke won on their last visit to St. Mary's, nearly a year ago, while their meeting with Wolves at Molineux will be the first in the league since both sides were in the top flight in December 2011. Robins said Stoke's start was a "real good opportunity", with the games against Saints and Wolves "brilliant tests". "The challenge is significant, but it's there to attack," he said. "We desperately need everybody together. If we can do that, then we've got a right chance of achieving what we need to because we are really powerful when it's like that. "We are desperate to get back into the Premier League." Latest Stoke City news, analysis and fan views