Stoke City manager Mark Robins believes the club is on the brink of a major uplift as the first team prepares to move into a brand-new, £12 million training complex that he has described as “absolutely incredible.” The senior squad is expected to begin transitioning into the new facility at Clayton Wood as early as next week, with the move being carefully managed around an already demanding match schedule.
Construction on the state-of-the-art, two-storey building began in November 2024, replacing what was previously a simple warm-up area. This development represents Stoke City’s most significant off-field investment since the stadium was built in 1997, underlining the club’s long-term commitment to improving its infrastructure. Once the first team relocates, the existing training building will undergo refurbishment and will then be dedicated exclusively to the academy and women’s teams.
Robins praised everyone involved in delivering the project, singling out Richard Smith and others for their work. He explained that the new facility is modern, expertly designed, and tailored to meet the demands of elite football. While it shares some similarities with the current building, it has been thoroughly updated, and those improvements will also eventually be reflected in the older structure.
Although moving training bases can sometimes be disruptive, Robins believes this transition will have the opposite effect. He sees the new environment as a refreshing change that will energise players and staff alike, providing a psychological and professional boost across the club.
The complex boasts an impressive range of top-level amenities, particularly in the area of sports science and rehabilitation. These include a swimming pool, underwater treadmills, a fully equipped hydrotherapy suite, cryotherapy chambers, saunas, and specialist water-based exercise bikes. Such facilities are expected to significantly aid injury recovery and player conditioning. The gym is larger than before and packed with high-quality equipment designed to support modern training methods.
In addition, the building features an exceptional meeting room, more personalised first-team changing areas, and a well-thought-out internal layout that allows the space to function smoothly. Dedicated boot rooms, kit rooms, and storage areas are all included, while laundry services will continue to be handled in the existing building.
Overall, Robins emphasised that the flow, design, and sheer quality of the new training base make it a standout facility. In his view, it is not just a new building, but a major step forward for Stoke City as a whole—one that he repeatedly described as nothing short of incredible.
