TROWBRIDGE'S Chris Stokes has joined League Two side Bury on a free transfer from Coventry City.

Left-back Stokes, 27, has signed a two-year deal with the Shakers after spending more than three years with the Sky Blues.

The former Trowbridge Town youngster signed a new two-year deal with Coventry last summer and started both City's Checkatrade Trophy victory of 2017 and the League Two play-off Final last season, helping to secure promotion back to League One.

He was also awarded the Sky Blues' Community Player of the Season award.

The defender started his career with Bolton Wanderers where he captained the youth team before joining Crewe Alexandra in 2009 and then Forest Green Rovers, making over 130 appearances for the Gloucestershire side, then in the National League.

After an initial training stint with Coventry in 2015, he signed a 28-day loan deal, making his debut in a 2–2 draw against Sheffield United.

Stokes, who made 95 appearances during his time with Coventry, scoring three goals, said: “I'm delighted to have signed for Bury. It has probably gone on a while longer than I wanted it to, but I'm really happy to finally be here.

“Once I spoke to the manager (Ryan Lowe) and the staff I was really excited to join and to get it over the line.

“Now I'm here I just want to get things going and get working.”

Lowe said: “We felt that we wanted competition for the left-back position and that Chris would be a great addition for us, as he's recently been promoted from League Two to League One with Coventry.

“Chris knows what it takes to achieve in League Two; he's a great professional and a very good footballer, who comes with a pedigree.

“Coventry were up there in keeping the most clean sheets last season with Chris as part of their defensive structure.

“I'm thrilled to have Chris on board and I'm really looking forward to working with him.”