“When you get to finals like that, and you’re on the losing side, it is only going to drive you on more”
Bristol City prospect Josh Stokes in action for Stockport County(Image: Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes hopes to use his recent experience at Stockport County to “go a step further” with Reading this season, with the Royals’ goal promotion out of League One.
The Robins confirmed on Friday that Stokes, 22, will spend the upcoming campaign away from Ashton Gate, having made the temporary switch to the Select Car Leasing Stadium – his fourth loan since he joined the Reds two-and-a-half years ago.
While the attacking midfielder became a City player in the winter of 2024, he made an immediate return to Aldershot Town on loan for the second half of the campaign. In the two seasons since, Stokes has spent time in League One with Cambridge United and Stockport.
OPINION
Having joined the ranks at Edgeley Park in January, the Reds loanee helped Dave Challinor’s side reach both the Vertu Trophy and League One play-off final. Unfortunately, on both occasions, the Hatters were beaten, first by Luton Town and then Bolton.
Though naturally, both defeats were disappointing for Stokes, who enjoyed his time on Stockport’s books, the Reds prospect hopes he can use his recent experience to help Reading as they push for automatic promotion this term.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be here,” the attacking midfielder told the Royals’ media team when asked about the move. “I’ve just been around the place now and speaking to people, it’s got a really nice feeling to it, so I’m really looking forward to getting going.
“I feel like I had a few good experiences last season,” Stokes added. “Hopefully, I can use those to my advantage this season and hopefully go a step further.
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“When you get to finals like that, and you’re on the losing side, it is only going to drive you on more to hopefully have that success further down the line.”
Asked if the target was the automatic promotion places, the Reds loanee replied, “Definitely. I feel like everyone’s got the same goal to do that.
“We’re all pushing in the same direction to achieve those things.”
When speculation surrounding Stokes’ possible switch to the Select Car Leasing Stadium first emerged on social media last week, it was suggested that the Robins prospect was in line to depart Ashton Gate on a permanent basis, rather than another loan.
Such talk was met with disappointment by sections of the City support who, in recent years, have been keen to see the 22-year-old afforded a greater chance in south Bristol. So far, Stokes has made just three appearances for the Reds, with his loan spells and injury issues limiting his involvement.
Last August, the former Aldershot prospect sustained a fractured metatarsal early in a Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham after a disrupted pre-season. It wasn’t until December that he was able to return to first-team action, by which point, he had seemingly fallen down the pecking order.
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Having, this time around, been able to complete what has proven to be just a loan switch early in the summer, Stokes is aiming to hit the ground running under the management of Leam Richardson.
“It’s ideal to get it done this early so you can gel with the lads and get a few games under your belt in pre-season,” the City loanee explained. “Hopefully, you can start the season in a good vein of form.
“I know a couple of lads from previous clubs, which helps you settle in well. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the lads and starting training.
“[Pre-season] is a lot of hard work, especially out in the sun, but it’s hard work that you’ve got to do and puts you in a good stead for the start of the season.”