Crewe Alexandra's new loan signing Chris Stokes will make his Football League debut at Torquay United tomorrow after being recommended to Dario Gradi by former staff at Bolton Wanderers. The teenage left back comes highly recommended by Chris Sulley and Steve Wigley, who worked under previous boss Gary Megson and Crewe have been keeping tabs on the Trowbridge-born youngster for a while.
Stokes is pleased to get some first team experience under his belt and Dario has told the club's official web-site that he will start at Plainmoor tomorrow. It is a chance for him to impress his current employers and place himself in the shop window if necessary. Stokes is in his final year of his scholarship at the Reebok Stadium.
Dario told the club's official web-site: "We have decided to take the opportunity to have a look at Chris. He is a player we have been keeping an eye on for a while now and with Matt (Tootle) struggling, Westy out with an ear infection and Carl (Martin) suspended it was the perfect time to bring him in.
"I've told him that he will start the game on Saturday and then it is up to him to keep his place. That is fair enough and he accepts that.
"He has come here highly recommended by Chris Sulley, his former coach at Bolton and Neil Baker has been to see him play. I coached Chris at Chelsea when he was about 12 years-old, so I have known him a long time so he is someone we listen too. Steve Wigley was also impressed with him."
