Released Stokes joins Coyle at Blackburn in three-year deal
Blackburn Rovers have signed former Celtic striker Anthony Stokes following his departure from Parkhead.
Stokes, so often a polarising figure in Scottish football, was released by the Parkhead club at the end of last season after a six-month loan spell at Hibs, which culminated in him scoring twice in the 3-2 William Hill Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers to end a 114-year wait for the Leith club to lift the trophy.
Despite ending the campaign on such a high, the Irishman was let go and has now put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Rovers to become former Celtic striker Owen Coyle’s first signing since taking over as manager at Ewood Park.
The 27-year-old, who scored 77 goals in 192 games for Celtic, where he won four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and the Scottish League Cup, said Coyle played a big part in him deciding to join Blackburn.
“I get a feeling for moves a lot of the time and there were different options available, but this time round this seemed like the right move for me,” he told the club’s official website. “He had only positive things to say about me and I’m just looking forward to bedding in, getting a good pre-season under my belt and the start of the season.
“For myself, having a manager that believes in me gives me a lot of confidence and as a striker you need that, but it’s going to be down to how I perform.”
Stokes played under Alan Stubbs at Hibs and the former Celtic and Everton defender was keen to sign him for his new club Rotherham, but the striker has opted to join the Millers’ Sky Bet Championship rivals instead.