Stokes’s girlfriend and the Yellows’ women’s first-team goalkeeper, Millie Carter, delivered the No.10 jersey ready to be proudly displayed on the wall alongside other former academy graduates from the Suffolk club.
The 19-year-old is one of NonLeague’s hottest talents, his star only brightening with each week since moving to the National League club in the summer, fresh from helping fire Sudbury to promotion from the Isthmian League North last term.
Those who saw the influential role he played in their success won’t be surprised by his continuing rapid rise.
His two goals in the 2-2 FA Cup second-round draw against Stockport County last Sunday took his tally to 12 this season and at Wednesday night’s replay you can bet the Hatters will be keeping a close eye on him.
“I remember his recruitment meeting where his mum and dad came to meet myself and, with these young lads, we don’t promise them anything other than they will be a better player when they leave our academy if they apply themselves,” academy manager Danny Laws tells The NLP.
“Josh’s application is phenomenal – along the lines of other boys who have gone professional like (Cambridge United defender) Liam Bennett. It’s the dedication he will put into the task, his love of football.
“It’s funny, he was on the big stage at the weekend and we used to call him the big game player.
“In his second year we beat Ipswich Town in the Suffolk FA U18 Cup at Colchester United and Josh scored two great goals. It’s what he does.”
Esta historia es de la edición December 10, 2023 de The Non-League Football Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 10, 2023 de The Non-League Football Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
BRENNAN STINGS 'MOANY' BEES!
FRUSTRATED Dean Brennan has lashed out at the \"miserable, moany\" Barnet boo boys and urged them to get behind the team in their bid for promotion.
ACE REED WAITED TO MAKE A MARK
WHEN Mark Reed sensed his manager turn around to look his way on Tuesday night, he knew what was coming next.
CHURCH HAILS TEENAGE KICKS
DEBUTANT Dan Shaw got his teenage kicks with the rocket that fired Alvechurch to the top of the table.
LEES SO PROUD OF HIS SHAKERS
SUPER Shakers made it 14 games unbeaten this season after easing to victory against struggling NPL outfit Blyth Spartans.
SEVEN-UP A STONES
RONAN Silva turned in a four-star display as Salisbury highlighted the three-division difference in quality against their Wessex Premier opponents.
HORGAN'S RELIEF AT TOWN SIX APPEAL
CHIPPENHAM Town heeded manager Gary Horgan's prematch warning about a potential shock and despatched their Jewson Western League hosts.
BRAD'S LEVELLER RESCUES THE IRON
IN A terrific FA Cup second qualifying round tie, Step 4 Newcastle Town held National League North leaders Scunthorpe at Buckmaster Avenue.
WHING IS SURE IT'S MOOR OF THE SAME
A BRACE from Conor Wilkinson brought Solihull Moors back-to-back National League victories.
MOR'S U'S ARE BACK ON TRACK
SUTTON United got back to winning ways with a wel come victory at Southend United.
DUO GET THEIR JUST REWARDS
ENGLAND legend Stuart Pearce has made surprise appearances at two Trident League clubs to hail a pair of award-winning volunteers who earned national recognition for their inspirational exploits.