Paraphrased Article: Mark Robins Predictions and Top Free Agents for Stoke City and Championship Contenders
As Championship clubs enter the summer break, work is well underway behind the scenes. For Stoke City, it’s three weeks into a crucial off-season aimed at finally breaking free from a string of bottom-half Championship finishes—a task that’s proven elusive for seven years. With Mark Robins and Jon Walters at the helm, the mission is clear: bring consistency and competitiveness back to the club.
The transfer window opens briefly at the start of June and again mid-month, offering a chance for clubs to strengthen. Clubs have published their retained lists, meaning the free agent market is now buzzing with potential bargains. Four regional journalists—Leigh Curtis (Derby), Pete Smith (Stoke), Andy Turner (Coventry), and Alex Dicken (Birmingham)—shared their thoughts on standout free agents, which managers are under pressure, and the outlook for their respective clubs.
Top Free Agent Targets for Championship Clubs
- Leigh Curtis (Derby): With few standout names available, Curtis suggests Grady Diangana, released by West Brom, could be a strong addition for Derby. His pace and quality out wide fit Derby’s needs, though his wages could pose a challenge. Emil Riis, a 12-goal forward last season, is another solid shout for a team needing firepower.
- Pete Smith (Stoke): Smith highlights several players who’ve impressed against Stoke—Onel Hernandez, Jacob Sorensen, Emil Riis, and Duncan Watmore. However, he singles out Harry Darling from Swansea as a top prospect if he declines a new contract. A ball-playing, aerially strong centre-back with leadership experience, Darling could be a valuable addition.
- Andy Turner (Coventry): Turner opts for big-name potential in Callum Wilson or Jamie Vardy, if wage structures allow. For Wilson, a move back to his boyhood club Coventry could offer a fairy-tale end to his career.
- Alex Dicken (Birmingham): Darling gets another mention as a reliable 25-year-old defender with goal-scoring ability. Dicken also puts forward Harry Toffolo, a left-back leaving Nottingham Forest, as a desirable pick for second-tier sides.
Who’s Most Likely to Be Sacked First?
- Leigh Curtis: Curtis points to Paul Heckingbottom (Preston) as vulnerable after a poor end to the season. He also notes high pressure at Birmingham and Hull, where expectations are sky-high and patience is thin.
- Pete Smith: Smith highlights the ironic risk to managers newly promoted to the Premier League and points to Watford, famous for frequent changes, as a likely candidate for early turnover. He feels Stoke will buck the trend and stick with Robins through the season.
- Andy Turner: Turner expects Watford owner Gino Pozzo to continue his revolving-door approach, predicting another quick exit for new coach Paulo Pezzolano.
- Alex Dicken: Dicken echoes concerns about Watford but says Hull City, with its recent record of sacking managers, might be the most unpredictable club of all.
Ambitions for Next Season
- Leigh Curtis (Derby): Survival was job one last year. Now, mid-table stability is the aim. A more aggressive push could come with solid investment.
- Pete Smith (Stoke): Stoke are aiming for gradual improvement. Staying clear of the relegation zone would be a big step, with the tight nature of the Championship allowing for surprises.
- Alex Dicken (Birmingham): With financial backing, Birmingham expect to fight for promotion immediately. While not reaching the top may not be a disaster, they want to be competitive from the start.
- Andy Turner (Coventry): Coventry are aiming for at least another play-off run. With two playoff appearances in three seasons under Doug King, expectations are high to continue that trend.
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