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Aldershot stunned at receiving club-record fee as ‘promising talent’ signs for Bristol City

Aldershot Town have been left stunned at receiving a club-record fee as ‘promising talent’ Josh Stokes signs for Bristol City.

The 19 year old returns to Tommy Widdrington’s side on loan until the end of the season, having been one of the standout players so far in the fifth tier this campaign.

Josh Stokes has become one of the hottest properties in non league – and his first club, AFC Sudbury, couldn’t more proud of his progress.

As per Bristol Live, the deal is reportedly worth £250k + 10% sell-on + PSF, with the understanding ‘it’s more than that’.

ALDERSHOT STATEMENT:

Aldershot Town Football Club can confirm that Josh Stokes has joined Championship side Bristol City for an undisclosed, club-record fee, in a deal that will see him remain with the Shots for the rest of the season.

As part of a deal that will see the 19-year-old become Aldershot Town’s record sale – even before any future add-ons – Stokes will finish the 23/24 season at the EBB Stadium and a friendly will be arranged with The Robins’ first-team during 24/25 pre-season.

Stokes joined Aldershot from AFC Sudbury in June 2023 for an undisclosed fee, but quickly adapted to life in the Vanarama National League, having scored 13 goals in 27 league games.

The attacker also contributed to an impressive Emirates FA Cup run with goals against League Two sides Swindon Town and Stockport County, as Aldershot Town reached the Third Round of the competition.

First-Team Manager Tommy Widdrington has said the following: “It’s come as no surprise to any of us (Staff) that Josh (and others) have attracted so much interest considering the season he and we’ve had so far.”

“It should also come as a stark reminder of what’s possible to any player who’s faced disappointment at any stage of a fledgling career and act as a motivation to keep at it and believe in yourself.”

“There were lots of clubs at all levels keen to acquire Josh’s services, but I think Bristol City is a great fit for all parties to continue his football journey.”

“Josh will of course remain here at The EBB as a committed Shot for the rest of this season and I’m sure will continue to help us to continue to progress too.”

“I have to thank Brian Tinnion, Technical Director at Bristol City, for the professional manner in which they approached and sorted everything with minimum of fuss for this to happen, along with Josh’s parents Mark and Donna who trusted Aldershot Town and I to help Josh continue his football journey – something I believe could be special.”

“We of course wish Josh all the success possible when he does make the move but for now, we and he, are fully focused on our aims here at Aldershot Town.”

Everyone at the Club is delighted for Josh and is looking forward to seeing him scoring more goals at the EBB Stadium this season!

We’d also like to thank Bristol City for their co-operation with this deal.

BRISTOL CITY STATEMENT:

City have completed the signing of young midfielder Josh Stokes from Aldershot Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and will return to the Shots on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

Stokes said: “I’m delighted to sign for Bristol City, it’s a massive club with huge ambition.

“They’re a club that gives young players an opportunity and I’m looking forward to the next few years.”

Signing for Aldershot from AFC Sudbury in summer of 2023, Stokes has scored 16 goals in just 29 appearances so far for the Hampshire side.

Technical Director Brian Tinnion added: “Josh is a fantastic talent who will only improve.

“We wish him all the best for the remainder of the season with Aldershot and look forward to seeing him in the summer.”

This is what Twitter users had to say with Aldershot stunned at receiving a club-record fee as ‘promising talent’ Josh Stokes signs for Bristol City…

@RYANscollard25: Fully deserved.. cracking lad on and off the pitch and I hope he makes it even further to the top! Let’s enjoy him for the last part of the season and hopefully we can get into the play offs! ❤️💙🙏🏼

@RobHolder92: Great bit of business for the club. Obviously sad to be losing him, but that’s how it goes at this level. They’ve done well to loan him back for the rest of the season.

@colony79: Congratulations on your move @JoshStokes22. A real shame to see you go, but a pleasure seeing you play and I’m sure a pleasure to see you play for the rest of the season as well. Well done to all involved in making this deal work out well for all parties #TheShots

@bnolan_10: Nothing but high praise for the lad, was short but sweet! Wish him all the best for next season and the future 🙌🏻 but for now is still a shots player so let’s make the most of the time left 🔴🔵🔴🔵

@willbrownatfc: Buzzing for the lad, been unreal for us. Happy he gets his five-month farewell tour too. Help us finish fourth, reach Wembley and score the winner to send us up, please Stokes. Get him back on loan next season for six months to continue his development in League Two.

@IR7VS: going right to the top

@MattyNorth39: The lad deserves it but credit must also be given to the manager & recruitment team. Considering around only 12months ago our team was woeful and a year on to deliver a team that plays entertaining football and finding talent like him is a credit to all concerned.

@jimmy_g87: Knew from the first time I watched him play in pre-season that he was going to surprise the National League but he’s done more than that in his short time at Aldershot, Bristol City have got themselves a special player, look after him.

@lewisblainsport: Bristol City fans, you’ll absolutely love him. He’s going all the way to the top and you are a fantastic choice of club for the next stage of his development. A truly special talent.

@saundeel: Fair play to staying on loan until the end of the season 👍

@PeaksJimmy: Hatrick tomorrow night then fella

@SallyButler1985: Amazing news for our Starboy @JoshStokes22 glad he’s staying for the rest of the season ❤️💙

@atfc_chris: Congratulations Josh!

@HiccupEU: Sad to see him go but I’m buzzing for Josh at the same time 🙏🏻 A lovely guy and a very deserved move, he’s going right to the top 🔝 He’s officially a championship player 🤯

@StylesyR: What a player 🙌👌

@SteveyAsp: Good luck to Josh, He’s deserved the move and I wish him every success in the future….I’m glad we have him for the rest of the season 😀

@HayleyATFC: Brilliant move for him. So well deserved, been an absolute joy to watch this season ❤️💙 Very bright future ahead @JoshStokes22 ⭐️

@gblackwood_86: Ahh bollocks, great move for him though

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