Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit drops "all eyes on" Stoke City claim after Derby County win | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie reacts to Stoke City's opening day win against Derby County.

Stoke City got off to a fantastic start to the 2025/26 Championship season, as they came from behind to beat Derby County at the bet365 Stadium.

The Rams did originally take the lead through Carlton Morris in the 60th minute; however, this was cancelled out by a Lewis Baker goal for the Potters 10 minutes later.

Mark Robins' side then went on to win the match in dramatic style, with goals from Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas in the 95th and 99th minutes respectively sealing the win for the hosts.

"All eyes will be on them" - Lee Hendrie reacts to opening day win for Stoke

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports Lee Hendrie was asked whether Stoke fans have reason to be excited about what is to come this season, and responded with cautious optimism, emphasising that consistency is key.

"It was an excellent result for Stoke, and all eyes will be on them again this weekend," said Hendrie.

"Since they were relegated from the Premier League, they have really struggled to maintain consistency and finish in the top half. They have needed someone to take them forward."

The Potters finished 14th in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, with this being the highest place that Stoke have managed to achieve since their relegation from the top-flight in 2018.

"They went 1-0 down, and they showed the character to come from behind," added Hendrie.

"It might really spur them on this season. There is a lot of football to be played, but it is a positive start for Stoke. Hopefully, they can kick on this season.

"For too long, they have been standing still. Consistency is key for them now, with that being the one thing that they haven't been."

Mark Robins could be the man to bring consistency to Stoke City

After a lengthy spell with Coventry City, where he took the club to a play-off final and an FA Cup final following two promotions, Mark Robins took over at Stoke midway through last season.

The Potters finished 18th in what was very much a transitional second half of the campaign under the experienced head coach. However, with Robins at the helm, he could be the right man to end a period of mid-table obscurity at the bet365 Stadium.

Robins' record with Coventry was mightily impressive, and he has proven that he can guide a side up the standings in the Championship. This is something that Stoke are in desperate need of.

As Hendrie mentioned, there is a lot of football to be played, but Stoke fans may be able to begin looking up the table after a more than positive start to the season.