Stoke City press conference notes: The player who made Mark Robins’ eyes light up and award snub

Stoke City manager Mark Robins addressed the media ahead of the match against Bolton Wanderers, reacting to missing out on the Championship Manager of the Month award to West Ham United's Nuno Espirito Santo. Robins praised the positive shift in atmosphere around the club, giving significant credit to his playing squad and his coaching staff, including assistants James Rowberry and Max Porter.

Robins also highlighted backup goalkeeper Frank Fielding for his leadership in the dressing room, which included organizing a welcome celebration for Asian Cup winner Bae Junho. Meanwhile, Stoke is assessing several returning international players, including Ethan Galbraith, while Svante Ingelsson and Aaron Cresswell continue their recoveries.