Chris Stokes Signs On

We’re pleased to announce the signing of experienced defender, Chris Stokes on an initial five-month deal.

 

The 33-year-old joins the Bluebirds having been a part of Stephen Clemence’s side for the vast majority of their pre-season campaign, having featured at centre-back in the absence of skipper, Niall Canavan in recent games.

 

Stokes brings with him a wealth of experience having played over 400 professional matches, featuring for the likes of Coventry City, Kilmarnock FC, and Forest Green Rovers.

 

While at Kilmarnock, our latest addition linked up with current Bluebird, Dean Campbell, where they helped Killie achieve promotion back to the Scottish Premiership where they remain today.

 

Stokes made his professional debut over 14 years ago while on loan at Crewe Alexandra from then Premier League side, Bolton Wanderers. He came through the ranks at Bolton and even secured a number of caps for England’s youth team while with the Lilywhites.

 

Following his departure from Bolton at the end of the 2009/10 season, Stokes made a name for himself at Forest Green and Coventry City where he over 228 league appearances in the following eight seasons.

 

Since then, he lined up for a number of EFL sides including the likes of Stevenage Town and Bury FC before moving across the border to Scotland back in 2021.

 

Speaking about joining Barrow, Stokes said: “The club has done really well over the past two, three seasons in this division and it’s a great club to be at so when it came up it was an exciting opportunity for myself.

 

“You never know when you’re coming on trial what it’s going to be like, how long you’re in for and things like that so I was just taking it day by day at the start and the longer it went on, the more I wanted to sign.”

To watch the full interview, head over to the club’s YouTube channel.