Stoke City Plot Move For Trusted Mark Robins Favourite Jake Bidwell

Stoke City boss Mark Robins is keen to be re-united with Coventry left sided defender, Jake Bidwell this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 33-year-old helped Frank Lampard’s side regain its Premier League status for the first time in 25 years.

But the former Brentford, QPR and Swansea player was restricted with his game time, making only four league appearances in the second half of the season.

Indeed, Bidwell’s only start came in the 4-0 win at Watford on the final day of the Championship season with Cov’s promotion and title already sewn up.

Ironically, his previous start was an FA Cup third round defeat at Stoke back in January.

Bidwell, who has captained Coventry during his time in the East Midlands, is contracted at the CBS Arena until the summer of 2027.

But it would appear the experienced left back will get even less game time in the top flight.

RELIABLE RECRUITMENT

And a desire for more regular action could trigger a switch to the Potters who are looking at recruiting a reliable left back during the close season.

Robins signed Bidwell for Coventry back in January 2022 from Swansea City. 

And is understood to be keen on working again with the former Everton Academy graduate.

Southport born Bidwell has the distinction of becoming the Toffees’ youngest ever European debutant when he appeared in a Europa League game against Bulgarians, BATE Borisov aged 16 years and 271 days.

Former England international Aaron Cresswell-out of contract at the Bet 365 Stadium this summer-and Eric Bocat shared Stoke’s left back role between them last season.

Robins is desperate to overhaul his squad during the summer break with players he can trust and Bidwell, with more than 430 Championship appearances on his CV, fits the bill. 

Stoke ended the season on a six-game winless run, losing five times and finishing 17th, just eight points above the drop zone.