CHRIS Stokes has signed for Coventry City on a permanent basis, penning a one-year deal with the Sky Blues, who have the option of a 12-month extension.

The 24-year-old left-back, from Trowbridge, joined League One Coventry on a one-month loan from Forest Green Rovers last February before extending that deal until the end of last season, with the former England C international released by National League Rovers in May.

And Ricoh Arena boss Tony Mowbray has seen enough to plump for Stokes long-term.

“It was very nice to get the deal done,” Stokes told Coventry’s official website.

“It’s been a crazy summer, I haven’t had any time to settle down but I cannot wait to get back and get my head down.

“It was such a hectic few weeks with the wedding and the honeymoon but I’m obviously really pleased to get it done.”

Stokes is also looking forward to continuing his development as a League One player under Mowbray.

He said: “Everyone was hoping that Tony would stay on and I’m obviously delighted that he has.

“Even when you go through the youth team or are close to retirement, you learn new things all the time from different coaches.

“It’s not as simple as finding the back of the net - there are different ways of doing so.

“I learned a lot with my short time with the gaffer. He took my game to a different level in just a couple of months, so hopefully with a full season under him, he can help me take my game on even further.”