Stoke City are embarking on a busy summer crafting a new-look squad that fulfils Mark Robins’ needs while also complying with the EFL’s tough spending rules.
After another poor season in which two team bosses in Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach were both fired, Stoke’s struggles were probably not a surprise.
As it is, a final-day draw at Derby ensured they retained their Championship status, but current boss Robins certainly has his work cut out to turn around a team that not so long ago was putting fear into the hearts of many a Premier League rival.
Full details of the Potters’ pre-season have yet to be revealed, but some things we do know. For example, Robins’ retained list is now known, with experienced but injury-prone players Lynden Gooch, Jordan Thompson, Michael Rose and Enda Stevens all released but Lewis Baker staying put.
The next key date on the horizon is Thursday, June 26, when the EFL fixtures are released. However, there is one big change this year.
Traditionally, the fixtures for the forthcoming season have come out at 9am, but this year it will be at noon.
Then later that day, at 4:30pm, clubs and their fans will learn the first round draw for the Carabao Cup, which will take place live on Sky Sports News.
The first round of Championship fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of August 8 to 10, with Carabao Cup first-round ties coming in the following week.
Fixtures release day will also incorporate the draw for the Vertu Trophy group stages, which will also be shown on Sky Sports News from 2.30pm.
According to the EFL, the scheduled 46 rounds of Championship matches will take place over 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four Bank Holidays.
