Championship manager under growing pressure after just three league wins since January

Mark Robins under growing pressure at Stoke City after poor start

Mark Robins is reportedly facing increasing pressure over his position as Stoke City manager following a difficult start to the 2026/27 Championship campaign.

The Potters have managed just three Championship victories since January 2026, a run that has raised serious concerns about the direction of the club under Robins.

Stoke’s problems have continued into the new season, with the club suffering defeat in each of their opening three league matches. Their latest setback came on Saturday when they were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Wolves away from home.

Robins took charge of Stoke in January 2025 after leaving Coventry City. His first objective was to keep the club in the Championship, something he achieved as Stoke finished 18th.

The Potters improved marginally the following season by ending the campaign in 17th place, but their current start has intensified concerns.

Stoke currently sit bottom of the Championship, with a goal difference of -6, the poorest record in the division.

Stoke’s long Premier League absence continues

Stoke have been outside the Premier League since suffering relegation at the end of the 2017/18 season.

The club first reached the top flight in 2008/09 and enjoyed a lengthy ten-year spell among England’s elite. They even secured European football during that period after reaching the Europa League.

Their best Premier League finish came in 2013/14, when they ended the season in ninth place, but their fortunes eventually declined before relegation in 2018.

Since returning to the Championship, Stoke have struggled to mount a serious promotion challenge. They have never finished higher than 14th in the second tier during that period.

A return to the Premier League therefore already appears some distance away, while the club now have to be wary of the possibility of a completely different battle at the opposite end of the table.

With Stoke rooted to the bottom after three games, relegation to the third tier cannot yet be dismissed if their poor form continues.

Difficult fixtures ahead for Stoke

Robins will have little time to turn things around, with Stoke facing a demanding run of matches.

After defeats against Swansea City, Southampton and Wolves, the Potters will attempt to get their first points of the campaign when they welcome Norwich City on Tuesday.

Norwich will arrive at the bet365 Stadium full of confidence after their impressive 4-1 victory over Burnley at the weekend.

Stoke then face another home fixture against Charlton Athletic, who currently sit at the top of the Championship table, before travelling to face Cardiff City.

Their schedule does not become much easier, with Watford and Sheffield United also awaiting them before the first international break of the season.

Stoke will then return to Championship action on October 10 with an away trip to Bolton Wanderers.

Robins facing crucial period

The next few matches could prove extremely important for Robins.

Having managed only three league victories since January and now losing their first three matches of the new campaign, Stoke urgently need a response.

The Norwich fixture provides an immediate opportunity to get points on the board, but the subsequent meetings with Charlton and Cardiff could make the pressure even greater.

For Robins, the priority will be to halt the slide quickly. If Stoke’s poor run continues, the club may be forced to consider whether a change in the dugout is necessary.