Phil Bardsley: Robins And Walters Can Lead Stoke Revival
Phil Bardsley believes Stoke City are well placed to push for a return to the Premier League after several challenging years in the Championship.
The former Potters defender feels the appointment of Mark Robins can steady the ship and help the club climb the table, with a play-off spot a real possibility.
After securing Championship survival on the final day in May, Stoke are 9/1 with football betting sites to be promoted this season.
Speaking exclusively to Gambling.com, Bardsley also highlighted the arrival of Jon Walters as director of football.
He praised Walters’ outstanding knowledge of the game and the strong infrastructure now in place as the club look to put last season’s miserable campaign behind them.
Potters Showing Signs Of Progress
Stoke have made a solid start to the new season.
A 3-1 opening-day defeat of Derby County was followed by a shoot-out victory over Walsall in the Carabao Cup.
The Potters are showing signs of progress after difficult years in the Championship, and Bardsley feels the early results have boosted optimism that Robins can guide them towards a play-off challenge.
“I went to the Derby game and it was a really good performance,” he said.
“Stoke were exceptional in the first half and were unlucky to concede a goal just after half-time.
“They have shown great character because those games can be difficult when you've had all the possession, all the chances, and you don't go into half-time in the lead.
"Then, all of a sudden, you come out in the second half and you go one behind. It's really, really difficult. But they showed great character.
“Some of the players Mark Robins has brought on were decent. It was a really, really good performance and a really good victory.”
Robins Has Club Heading In The Right Direction
Robins was appointed on a three-and-a-half-year contract in January following the sacking of Narcis Pelach, who the Potters parted company with after just three months.
After a difficult campaign, he guided City to safety in the Championship, securing their place in the division for the next season following a goalless draw against Derby County on the final day.
Bardsley – who played 51 times for the club between 2014 and 2017 – believes the former Coventry, Huddersfield and Rotherham boss is the man to lead the Potters in the right direction.
“I think they’ve found a manager who's got brilliant experience,” he said.
“He can steady the ship, help them climb up that league, and you never know – maybe try to get a play-off place.
“The ambition is to get in the Premier League, but you need the right players and the right infrastructure in place.
“They've obviously got a great infrastructure now with Jon Walters going in there as director of football, somebody whose knowledge on football is outstanding.
“It's important to have people like that in and around the football club. It’s a big season for Robins and I’m really optimistic with the start they’ve made.”
Nzonzi Brings Wealth Of Experience
If Stoke are to enjoy a successful season, then one of Bardsley’s former team-mates might have an important role to play after they re-signed veteran midfielder Steven Nzonzi on a one-year deal.
The 36-year-old first joined the Potters in 2012 when they were in the Premier League before moving to Sevilla in 2015, and most recently played for Sepahan in Iran.
Bardsley, who will be appearing at the Manchester Masters at the AO Arena on September 5, feels the knowledge he has could be vital.
“You can't buy that experience,” he revealed.
“I saw him at the game the other day and he still looks trim and in great condition. The only thing that might catch up with him a little bit is the amount of games they have in the Championship.
“But I think once he gets up to speed, he's fit and he knows what he's doing. He’s an outstanding player.
“He’s got that experience of being in the right positions and he's big, strong and physical. So there are so many attributes that he brings to the team that will help them this season.”
