Bristol City find themselves in the middle of a Championship play-off battle at the moment, but if they did miss out this season – League One loan star Josh Stokes could be the perfect man to bolster their attempt next time around.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at League One relegation battlers Cambridge United, after arriving at Ashton Gate from National League side Aldershot Town and after taking time to adjust to EFL action, he’s continued to pick up where he left off last season and finds himself as one of the division’s most underrated loan players.
Stokes is set to return to Bristol City at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and although he could have a relegation on his CV, here’s why the Championship side have to keep him in the building next season.
The rise of Josh Stokes
This time two season’s ago, Stokes was playing in the English eighth tier with AFC Sudbury, before making a three-tier jump up to Aldershot Town ahead of the start of last season.
Stokes scored on his debut for the club during a 5-2 victory against Oxford City and went on to take the National League by storm, scoring 15 goals in 45 league appearances and earned a January move to Bristol City, before returning on loan.
The 20-year-old also showcased his ability in the FA Cup, scoring twice against Stockport County and contributing to three of Aldershot’s seven goals against Swindon Town.
After moving onto Cambridge United on loan in the summer, Stokes contributed to one league goal in the first four months, though he was injured between September 14th and December 7th.
Upon his return, Stokes scored in the EFL Trophy against Cheltenham Town but the turn of the year has allowed the playmaker to really express himself on League One.
Since scoring against Bolton Wanderers on January 18th, Stokes has contributed to an additional five goals in seven appearances and scored both goals during this weekend’s 2-0 win against Stockport.
Good competition for Scott Twine
Bristol City already possess several talented attacking outlets this season, including Anis Mehmeti and Mark Sykes, but the player Stokes better resembles is set-piece star Scott Twine.
Stokes battles well for Cambridge (winning 5.1 duels on average per game this season), enjoys running with the ball and has a high chance creation rate. Currently, Stokes is averaging 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes and has created five big chances for the struggling League One side.
These statistics suggest that should Stokes have replicated this form with better players, his overall goal output would likely increase, which is good news for Bristol City.
Stokes’ best role is operating behind the striker or on the left-hand side, which could see him compete with Twine directly next season.
Having another attacking outlet who likes to create chances and battles well when needed, should be music to the ears of Bristol City ahead of next season.
Does Stokes stand a chance at Bristol City or will he go back out?
Due to Stokes enjoying success with a relegation-battling side, there will be suggestions and an overall anxiety that he may not be ready to play in the Championship and instead needs a loan stint higher up in League One.
Clubs like Stockport County, Huddersfield Town or even a side like Lincoln City could all be seen as ideal loan destinations for the 20-year-old this summer if that was the option that Bristol City intended to pursue.
However, Bristol City are currently ninth in the Championship for average goals per game (1.3) and have just three players that either have more than five goals or more than five assists.
Therefore, if they want to ensure that they can better compete for the top six next season, they need attacking improvement and Stokes’ current form should certainly put himself in contention.
Keeping him in the building also gives the club insurance that if Stokes shows signs of struggling or isn’t getting as many minutes, there is the option to let him see out the campaign out on loan.
Bristol City fans, would you like to see more of Josh Stokes or do you still believe he needs another loan stint next season?