It has been a dream come true to Shotley hot shot Josh Stokes after signing a two year professional deal with Vanarama National League side Aldershot Town.

The 19-year-old, whose family home is in Shotley Gate, completed the move from AFC Sudbury for an undisclosed sum on Monday.

Speaking to Nub News today as he was about to head out to training with his new club, Stokes could barely hide his joy and excitement after his ambition to become a professional footballer was realised, a year after revealing to us that very target.

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"This is exactly what I wanted," said Stokes who was released by Ipswich Town's Academy aged 16 and vowed to make it as a professional. "It is full time and that is all I can ask for now.

"I'm delighted Aldershot came in for me and as soon as heard about it I wanted to go and join Tommy (Widdrington, Shots manager) It isa dream come true and I'm excited to get going"

Stokes graduated from AFC Sudbury's School of Excellence, and the move has meant no more school work.

"The training has been tough for the first week," added Stokes, "But it is better than carrying school books around.

"It is a step up and full on but I have loved every minute and feel I have already adapted."

He has moved to live in Aldershot and is sharing with another player, but will return to see his mum in Shotley as often as possible (including this weekend).

Stokes stepped up from youth football after helping the U18s win the Suffolk FA Youth Cup the season before last, scoring in the win over Ipswich in the final at Colchester United's Community Stadium.

Josh Stokes holds aloft Suffolk FA Youth Cup after win over Ipswich Town

He quickly established himself in the first team, scoring 16 goals from wide right and helping the Suds secure promotion from the Isthmian League North Division to the Southern League via the play offs and was voted Sudbury Fans' Player of the Year..

"Playing regular first team football and scoring some goals was the target for me," said Stokes, "winning promotion the way we did was the icing on the cake."

Despite all his relative success, Stokes has stayed down to earth and has set realistic aims ahead of the new season, for the Shots and himself.

"What I'm looking to achieve is for the team to do as well as we can in the league. For me personally, it is to play as many games as I can and score as many goals as possible. - same as every year really."

That said, there is one over-arching ambition driving the former Woodbridge Woodpecker.

"My dream is still to play for Ipswich Town, either in the Championship or Premier League," he said. "I will always have that dream of playing for Ipswich."

Stokes could make his Aldershot debut when they start their preseason friendlies against Eastbourne Borough, who Widdrington managed for five seasons, next Saturday (July 8).

Sudbury fans will be able to see there old favourite again at the MEL Group Stadium on Tuesday evening July 11, in a friendly, fixed as part of the transfer deal, and Stokes is looking forward to going back and showing his appreciation.

He said: "AFC Sudbury were so good for me.' he said. "They helped so much to develop and eased me into men's football.

"It is a tremendous football club and set up, and the fans were so great with me.

"I will be forever grateful."

Aldershot will find out their league schedule on July 5 and Stokes will be itching to make his debut for the Shots at the EBB Stadium.