TONY Mowbray has challenged Chris Stokes to stamp down a regular spot in his first team next season after the defender signed for the Sky Blues on a one-year deal.
The 24-year-old has moved to the Ricoh Arena on a full-time basis from Forest Green Rovers having impressed Mowbray during a three-month loan spell towards the back end of last season.
Stokes made 16 appearances for the Sky Blues and scored an important header in the 2-1 win over MK Dons at the Ricoh Arena back in February which ended a run of seven league games without a win.
The left-back was released by Conference side Forest Green Rovers and agreed to sign for the Sky Blues this week having joined the rest of the squad for pre-season training.
There is an option for the club to extend the deal for another year.
“I’m delighted to see Chris sign with us as we begin organising our squad for the upcoming season,” said Mowbray, who wants Stokes and Ryan Haynes to battle it out for the left-back role.
“Chris is a player I enjoyed working with since I joined the club in February as you can tell he is eager to learn and improve his game.
“You need to be able to listen and learn as a professional footballer and Chris has those attributes as well as a strength and a presence on the pitch.
“I’m hopeful he will thrive after a full pre-season and would like to see him challenging for a starting spot next season.”
