TONY Stokes says he wants to leave a legacy behind after dropping two divisions to link up with Bowers & Pitsea.

The striker, 30, departed National League South outfit Concord Rangers last week, as he looks to play as much football as he can in the final years of his career.

He decided Bowers would be the best fit, after speaking with manager Rob Small, who is looking to replace Brad Warner and David Knight’s 51 goals from last season following their departures.

And Stokes is now looking to help Bowers to another successful campaign in the Isthmian North.

“Bowers is on the doorstep so it made sense for me,” he said.

“I didn’t need to talk to any other club as I wanted to make this move.

“I am confident I can score goals at this level,” he added.

“I back myself and I may not be the fastest or run the channels but if I get space ten yards from goal I will hit the target.

“I am keeping myself healthy and I want to help Bowers progress.

“They remind me a lot of Concord back in the day. They are the underdog and are working with a small budget.

“I want to help and show that, by dropping down two leagues, it is not about money.

I want to leave a legacy rather than get money. I do this for the enjoyment of the sport.”

Stokes started last season at Canvey Island, scoring eight goals in 10 appearances, before returning to Concord.

But, while he regards last season as a success, Stokes says he wants to be playing more minutes next term.

“I went on a good run of scoring at Canvey before Concord came in for me as they were in a bit of trouble.

“I was glad to play a part in helping the team stay up but I didn’t play as much as I would have liked.

“I had a shoulder operation before the end of the season - with Concord safe from relegation - to make sure I was ready for this pre-season.

“I spoke with Flan (Concord boss Adam Flanagan) about the plans for next year and I was excited but while I was on holiday I noticed he was signing more players in my position.

“So I spoke with him and said I can’t take the risk of having another season as a bit-part player.”

And Stokes had nothing but praise for his new manager, admitting Small reminded him of someone else he had worked under.

“I have heard plenty of good things about Bowers,” he said.

“I spoke to Rob and, the way he spoke and conducted himself, it was like talking to Danny Cowley seven years ago.

“It was like having my first chat with Dan and I was getting déjà vu. He wants to do things and progress in the right way.”

And Small echoed his excitement that Stokes had made the move.

“He is not adverse to playing for a small club,” said Small. “Concord were a small club at the time and this is a massive coup.

“We knew once word got out he had left that people would be interested. But he is a football man.

“He has bought into me and what we want to achieve here.

“From my chats with Tony and other character references I got to know the man, and I am as excited to work with the man arguably more than the player.

“He is a dream replacement after the departures of Warner and Knight.”