Chris Stokes

Christopher Martin Thomas Stokes (born 8 March 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Kilmarnock.

Club Career

Early career

Stokes played for Southampton and Bristol City youth teams before joining Bolton Wanderers at the age of 14 for an undisclosed fee.

Bolton Wanderers

He captained the Wanderers at youth level during their successful run to the Youth Cup quarter finals in the 2008–09 season, scoring a penalty against Liverpool at Anfield and was a regular in Bolton's reserve team.

Crewe Alexandra (loan)

On 12 March 2010, he signed for Crewe Alexandra on a one-month loan deal, making his debut two days later in a 1–1 draw with Torquay United and played 90 minutes.

On 11 May 2010, Stokes was released by Bolton Wanderers following the expiry of his contract. On 21 July 2010, Stokes opted to quit his trial period at Crewe to take up a similar opportunity at Walsall, however was not offered a contract by Saddlers manager Chris Hutchings.

Forest Green Rovers

Stokes played for Conference club Forest Green Rovers' reserve team as part of a trial, On 11 November 2010, he signed for Forest Green, initially on a non-contract basis.

It took until 19 February 2011 for Stokes to make his Forest Green debut in a 1–1 home draw against Darlington. After impressing in his first few months at Forest Green, Stokes was offered a new contract for the 2011–12 season.

On 24 August 2011 it was announced that Stokes had been included in the England C Squad to face the India national under-23 football team side on 6 September.

Despite scoring his first goal for the club in a pre season friendly with Hellenic Premier Division side Slimbridge in August 2011, Stokes scored his first league goal for Forest Green in a 3–0 win over Bath City on 29 August 2011.

In January 2012, he signed an extension to his contract at Forest Green wh