Stokoe was born in
Newcastle-upon-Tyne and began his career with
Newcastle United before joining
Stoke City in 1995. He struggled to settle in the area and moved back up north to
Hartlepool United where he played eight matches in
1995–96. He made two substitute appearances for Stoke in
1996–97 both away at
Portsmouth and then
Huddersfield Town. He left in 1998 and made a return to
Hartlepool United playing 23 matches for
Mick Tait's side in
1998–99. He later played for non-league
Blyth Spartans. ==Career statistics==