Eoghan Stokes – Wikipedia

Irish footballer

Eoghan Stokes (born 17 May 1996) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder^[2] for Christchurch United in New Zealand. He has previously played for Leeds United, Bohemians, Derry City, Cork City, Airdrieonians, Dumbarton and is also a former Republic of Ireland U19 international. He can also play as a forward.

Leeds United[edit]

After being spotted playing for St Kevins Boys in Ireland, Stokes was signed by Leeds United in 2012, where he graduated through their academy, he was given his Leeds United first team debut on 22 August 2017, when he started for Leeds in a 5–1 League Cup victory against Newport County.^[3]

On 1 February 2018, Leeds announced they had terminated the contract of Stokes by mutual consent.^[4] On 2 February 2018, Leeds Head Coach Thomas Christiansen revealed that he felt Stokes would be set to join a League 1 or League 2 level club after his release.^[5]

Bohemians[edit]

Stokes joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Bohemians on 15 February 2018. He appeared the next day against Shamrock Rovers as Bohs won 3–1 on the opening night of the 2018 season, but was on the bench.^[6] On 24 February 2018, Stokes scored his first goal for Bohemians in a 1-1 draw against Limerick.^[7] Over the season, Stokes played 39 games in all competitions for Bohs, scoring 8 goals including one away to Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin Derby.^[8]

During the off season, he spent time on trial with Boavista of the Primeira Liga, Portugal’s top flight. Stokes decided not to proceed with Boavista, and returned to Ireland.^[9]

Derry City[edit]

Stokes signed for Derry City on 5 February 2019 alongside Argentinian midfielder Gerardo Bruna.^[10] He scored on his debut 10 days later in a 3–0 win over newly promoted UCD on the opening night of the season.^[11] After 4 goals in 21 appearances in al competitions, Stokes departed Derry City on deadline day of the summer transfer window.^[8]

Cork City[edit]

Stokes signed for Cork City on 31 July 2019, given the number 7 shirt.^[12][13][14] He made his debut on 2 August 2019 against St Patrick’s Athletic.^[15] It was announced on 7 November that Stokes had been released by Cork after failing to score in his 13 appearances for the club.^[16]

Airdrieonians[edit]

On the 20th August 2020, Stokes signed for Scottish League One side Airdrieonians.^[17][18] Upon signing for the club, Stokes looked to clarify to the club’s supporters that his position has mainly been in an attacking midfield role and not a striker as widely reported.^[19] He made his debut for the club on the 7th October 2020 in a 2–0 Scottish League Cup loss to Alloa Athletic and remained at the club until May 2021, having made 13 appearances for the club.^[20]

Dumbarton[edit]

After leaving Airdrieonians, Stokes joined Scottish League One side Dumbarton in June 2021.^[21] He scored his first goal for the club on the 11th August 2021 in a 3–2 defeat at home to Rangers B in the Scottish Challenge Cup, his first goal since 2019.^[22] Stokes scored five goals in nine starts and 20 substitute appearances for the Sons, before being released by the club in May 2022 following their relegation to Scottish League Two.^[23]

Christchurch United[edit]

In January 2023, Stokes moved to New Zealand, joining Southern League side Christchurch United, where he would also take on the role of Assistant Academy coach for the clubs underage teams.^[24]

International career[edit]

Stokes has represented Ireland at various levels including up to Republic of Ireland U19’s level.^[25]

Career statistics[edit]

As of 24 March 2023^[8]

References[edit]