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Wembley hero Stokes pays Gresley penalty
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Wembley spot kick hero Stuart Stokes has been sacked by Gresley Rovers.
The former Derby County midfielder was shown the door by manager Frank Northwood after failing to impress in the opening two games of Rovers’ West Midlands League title defence.Now Northwood is planning a move for former Paget and Worcester full back or midfielder Jason Darkes from Dudley.
The Rovers boss said last night: People pay 100 per cent money to watch us play and they expect to see 100 per cent effort. But Stokes has been strolling around like he owns the place.
“I know he’s a talented lad, but I’ve shouted at him and I’ve taken him to one side and talked to him, and there’s no way through.”
Stokes, who in May scored Rovers’ fourth goal from the penalty spot in Rovers’ 4-4 FA Vase final epic against Guiseley at Wembley, has been booted out once before by Northwood but was allowed rejoin the club after asking for another chance to prove himself.
But Northwood said last night: “There’ll be no third time around.”
Meanwhile, Northwood has given Dudley seven days’ notice of his intention to move for Darkes, the subject of a £1,000 transfer from Paget to Worcester at the beginning of last season.
Said Northwood: “Things didn’t work out for the lad at Worcester but my scouts are telling me that he’s playing superbly at the moment.
