Stoke City manager Mark Robins has told supporters that things "feel different" at the club heading into the new season, as the Potters prepare another push to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2018.
Stoke's last Premier League match was played 3,007 days ago. In the eight seasons since relegation, the club has finished between 14th and 18th in the Championship, with recent campaigns bringing genuine relegation threats.
Last season's near-miss
Robins' first full season in charge last term began promisingly, with Stoke sitting second after winning eight of their first 14 games. However, an injury crisis and loss of form derailed their challenge for promotion.
Speaking at a fans' forum broadcast on BBC Radio Stoke, Robins said the club must focus on the future rather than dwell on the past seven or eight years of disappointment.
"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," Robins said.
"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."
Summer restructuring and investment
Stoke have made significant changes during the summer break to address last season's problems. The club has overhauled its sports science department and training methods, and restructured its academy.
Owner and chairman John Coates has continued to provide financial backing, with five new signings brought in. These include midfielder Ethan Galbraith, signed for £10 million.
Coates told the forum he felt Stoke should be "in the conversation" over a play-off place, which now extends to eighth spot in the Championship, and would like that to be the case come next May.
Managing expectations
Robins acknowledged the expectations at the club, saying the changes being made take time to implement.
"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," Robins said.
"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."
Robins said he took seriously the injury issues that disrupted last season, given the work and financial investment made at the club.
"We're desperate to get promoted, desperate to get promoted for everybody," he said.
