{{short description|English footballer (born 1994)}} {{Use British English|date=January 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Cole Stockton | image = Cole Stockton (cropped).jpg | image_size = | caption = Cole Stockton in 2025. | fullname = Cole John Stockton<ref>{{Hugman|25439|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|3|13|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/cole-stockton-239043/ |title=Cole Stockton |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref> | birth_place = Huyton, England<ref>{{cite book|editor1-first=Glenda|editor1-last=Rollin|editor2-first=Jack|editor2-last=Rollin |title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 |year=2012 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7553-6356-8 |page=545 |edition=43rd}}</ref> | height = {{convert|1.86|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Cole Stockton - Forward - First Team - Morecambe |url=https://www.morecambefc.com/teams/first-team/forward/cole-stockton/ |website=www.morecambefc.com |access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref> | position = Forward | currentclub = Salford City | clubnumber = 9 | youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2011 | youthclubs1 = Tranmere Rovers | years1 = 2011–2017 | clubs1 = Tranmere Rovers | caps1 = 97 | goals1 = 14 | years2 = 2011–2012 | clubs2 = → Vauxhall Motors (loan) | caps2 = 4 | goals2 = 1 | years3 = 2012 | clubs3 = → Vauxhall Motors (loan) | caps3 = 4 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2015 | clubs4 = → Southport (loan) | caps4 = 10 | goals4 = 3 | years5 = 2016 | clubs5 = → Morecambe (loan) | caps5 = 7 | goals5 = 2 | years6 = 2016–2017 | clubs6 = → Morecambe (loan) | caps6 = 19 | goals6 = 5 | years7 = 2017–2018 | clubs7 = Heart of Midlothian | caps7 = 12 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2018 | clubs8 = Carlisle United | caps8 = 12 | goals8 = 1 | years9 = 2018–2019 | clubs9 = Tranmere Rovers | caps9 = 16 | goals9 = 1 | years10 = 2019 | clubs10 = → Wrexham (loan) | caps10 = 5 | goals10 = 0 | years11 = 2019–2023 | clubs11 = Morecambe | caps11 = 153 | goals11 = 52 | years12 = 2023–2024 | clubs12 = Burton Albion | caps12 = 10 | goals12 = 0 | years13 = 2024 | clubs13 = → Barrow (loan) | caps13 = 17 | goals13 = 7 | years14 = 2024– | clubs14 = Salford City | caps14 = 49 | goals14 = 17 | club-update = 00:52, 7 December 2025 (UTC) }}
'''Cole John Stockton''' (born 13 March 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League Two club Salford City.
Stockton overcame a serious bout of septicaemia and began his career at Tranmere Rovers. He made his debut in senior football on loan at Vauxhall Motors during the 2011–12 season and turned professional at Tranmere in April 2012. He spent the 2015–16 season on loan at Southport and Morecambe, and also spent the first half of the 2016–17 campaign on loan at Morecambe. He returned to Tranmere and helped the club to reach the play-off final, where they were beaten by Forest Green Rovers. He left Tranmere at the end of his contract, moving from the National League to the Scottish Premiership after being signed by Heart of Midlothian in June 2017. He returned to the English Football League with Carlisle United in January 2018, before leaving Carlisle to rejoin Tranmere Rovers eight months later. He spent the second half of the 2018–19 season on loan at Wrexham. He rejoined Morecambe in June 2019. He scored six goals and fifteen goals in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, before scoring 26 goals in 50 appearances during the 2021–22 campaign; this scoring record earned him two successive League One Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards and a place on the PFA Team of the Year.
==Early life== Stockton suffered a life-threatening bout of septicaemia during a trial with Tranmere Rovers at the age of thirteen.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Temple |first1=Alan |title=Interview {{!}} Hearts striker Cole Stockton on his fight with septicaemia & desire to do his dad proud |url=https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2017/06/20/interview-hearts-striker-cole-stockton-fight-septicaemia-desire-dad-proud-carlisle-everton-wayne-rooney/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Deadline News |date=20 June 2017}}</ref> Whilst he was recovering from this illness, his father, Stephen, died from a disease of the liver.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ralston |first1=Gary |title=Hearts new boy Cole Stockton says everything he does is for his father |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hearts-new-boy-cole-stockton-10656125 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Daily Record |date=21 June 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
==Career== ===Tranmere Rovers=== Stockton came through Tranmere Rovers' youth system. He joined Vauxhall Motors in the Conference North on loan in November 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.vmfc.com/news/details.php?news_id=4869 |title=Motors sign Cole Stockton on loan from Tranmere Rovers |date=27 November 2011 |publisher=Vauxhall Motors F.C. |access-date=29 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023417/http://www.vmfc.com/news/details.php?news_id=4869 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Tranmere manager Les Parry said that the experience would toughen up the teenager as he "will get kicked and elbowed".<ref>{{cite news |title=Tranmere Rovers FC: Les Parry sends Cole Stockton and Will Vaulks to toughen up in non-league |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tranmere-rovers-fc-les-parry-3356629 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=1 December 2011 |language=en}}</ref> He made his debut as a late substitute, in the club's FA Trophy victory over Marine on 26 November. He scored three times whilst on loan, twice in a 4–4 draw with Kidderminster Harriers,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-sport/wirral-football/2011/11/30/vauxhall-motors-sign-tranmere-rovers-fc-youngster-cole-stockton-on-loan-80491-29862509/ |title=Football: Vauxhall Motors 4 Kidderminster Harriers 4 |date=14 December 2011 |publisher=Ellesmere Port Pioneer |access-date=29 January 2012}}</ref> and the winning goal in a 3–2 victory over Worcester City.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16457627 |title=Vauxhall Motors 3–2 Worcester City |date=7 January 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 January 2012}}</ref> He was recalled to Tranmere after the club underwent an injury crisis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Football: Cole Stockton rejoins Vauxhall Motors on loan from Tranmere |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/football-cole-stockton-rejoins-vauxhall-5182434 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=CheshireLive |date=16 February 2012 |language=en}}</ref> He made his debut for Tranmere on 17 January 2012, coming on as an 84th-minute substitute for Lucas Akins in a 0–0 draw with Rochdale in a League One fixture at Prenton Park.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/16481515.stm |title=Tranmere 0 – 0 Rochdale |date=17 January 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 January 2012}}</ref> He returned to Vauxhall Motors on a second one-month loan spell on 11 February, as striker Leighton McGivern was unavailable.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vauxhall Motors re-sign Cole Stockton on loan from Tranmere Rovers FC |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/other-sport/amateur-sport/vauxhall-motors-re-sign-cole-stockton-3352535 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=11 February 2012 |language=en}}</ref> He was awarded his first professional contract by Tranmere in April.<ref>{{cite web |title=Three Professional Contracts Offered at Tranmere |url=http://www.lfe.org.uk/news/three-professional-contracts-offered-at-tranmere |publisher=League Football Education |access-date=6 May 2012 |date=26 April 2012}}</ref>
On 15 August 2012, Stockton scored on his first start for Tranmere in a 2–1 win over Chesterfield in the League Cup.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chesterfield 1-2 Tranmere (aet) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19159748 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2012}}</ref> His first Football League goal for the club came on 7 November, in a 2–0 victory at Hartlepool United.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20150434 |title=Hartlepool 0–2 Tranmere |date=7 November 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref> He was singled out for praise by manager Ronnie Moore after scoring a goal and setting up a further two goals in a 3–0 win at Braintree Town in the FA Cup first round on 13 November.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stockton display impresses Moore |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20324230 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 November 2012}}</ref> He signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract in January.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stockton extends Tranmere deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21244894 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 January 2013}}</ref> He ended the 2012–13 season with six goals from nine starts and twenty-seven substitute appearances.<ref name=sb1213/> He started five games and made twenty-one substitute appearances in the 2013–14 campaign, scoring goals against Bolton Wanderers, Brentford and Walsall.<ref name=sb1314/><ref>{{cite news |title=Tranmere 1-1 Bolton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23764056 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tranmere 3-4 Brentford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23999360 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Walsall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25599698 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2014}}</ref>
Stockton signed a new long-term deal on 26 August 2014, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stockton signs new Tranmere deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28942032 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2014}}</ref> Four days later he scored two goals against Morecambe as Tranmere won the game 2–1; manager Rob Edwards commented that Stockton was in good form but was "frustrating at times" due to his slow "progress in his game and his ability and touch".<ref name="one foot">{{cite news |last1=Hilton |first1=Nick |title=Tranmere manager Rob Edwards hails efforts of striker Cole Stockton |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tranmere-manager-rob-edwards-hails-7697203 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=31 August 2014 |language=en}}</ref> On 3 January, Stockton scored a late goal against Premier League side Swansea City as Tranmere lost 6–2 and were knocked out of FA Cup; manager Micky Adams had commented before the game that "the likes of Max Power and Cole Stockton can show people they are good players".<ref>{{cite news |title=Report: Tranmere 2 Swansea 6 |url=http://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/article/report-tranmere-v-swansea-2179145.aspx |publisher=Tranmere Rovers F.C. |date=3 January 2015 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hilton |first1=Nick |title=Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Adams says there is no pressure on his side in FA Cup |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tranmere-rovers-boss-micky-adams-8376797 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=2 January 2015 |language=en}}</ref> However, the following month he was ruled out of action for six weeks after undergoing a hernia operation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hilton |first1=Nick |title=Max Power insists new Tranmere Rovers players will lift team away from danger |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tranmere-rovers-striker-cole-stockton-8680930 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=19 February 2015 |language=en}}</ref> He ended the 2014–15 season with six goals in nineteen starts and eight substitute appearances as Rovers were relegated out of the Football League.<ref name=sb1415/>
He enjoyed a good pre-season and went into the 2015–16 campaign as manager Gary Brabin's only target man striker.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pattinson |first1=Rob |title=Tranmere Rovers boss Gary Brabin's five key decisions |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/five-big-decisions-gary-brabin-9796604 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=6 August 2015 |language=en}}</ref> Despite this, on 18 September he joined Paul Carden's National League rivals Southport on a three-month loan deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Southport sign Tranmere's Stockton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34294339 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 September 2015}}</ref> He made his debut for the "Sandgrounders" the following day against FC Halifax Town, and scored a goal in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news |title=FC Halifax Town 2-2 Southport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34230427 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=19 September 2015}}</ref> On 3 October, he scored both of Port's goals in a 2–1 victory at Woking.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Preece |first1=Haydn |title=Cole-fired Southport grab super win away at Woking |url=https://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/cole-fired-southport-grab-super-10196442 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Southport Visiter |date=5 October 2015 |language=en}}</ref> He played two games for Tranmere after returning from Haig Avenue.<ref name=Soccerway/> On 17 March 2016, he joined League Two side Morecambe on an initial 28-day loan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.morecambefc.com/news/article/cole-stockton-signs-for-morecambe-on-loan-from-tranmere-rovers-3012271.aspx |title=Cole Stockton signs on loan from Tranmere Rovers |date=17 March 2016 |publisher=Morecambe F.C. |access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref> He remained at the Globe Arena until the end of the 2015–16 season, scoring two goals in seven games.<ref name=sb1516/>
In July 2016, he re-joined Morecambe on loan ahead of the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36694511 |title=Cole Stockton: Morecambe re-sign Tranmere Rovers striker on loan |date=2 July 2016 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref> He scored ten goals in twenty-six games for the "Shrimps", before he returned to Tranmere in January.<ref name=sb1617/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38462355 |title=Morecambe: Jim Bentley confirms League Two side are under transfer embargo |date=29 December 2016 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref> He went on to help Rovers secure a place in the play-offs with a second-place finish, scoring five goals in sixteen league games, as well as four appearances and five goals in the FA Trophy after he scored a hat-trick in a 5–1 win over Barrow.<ref name=Soccerway/> He then scored two goals in a 5–2 aggregate victory over Aldershot Town in the play-off semi-finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tranmere beat Shots in play-off first leg |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39758998 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2017}}</ref> He went on to play in the play-off final defeat to Forest Green Rovers at Wembley Stadium, missing three second half chances – "denied by a brilliant low saved" from goalkeeper Sam Russell, missing an open goal, and having a glancing header go wide of the post.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Garry |first1=Tom |title=Tranmere Rovers 1-3 Forest Green Rovers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39850996 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2017}}</ref> Manager Micky Mellon was disappointed to lose Stockton after he chose to leave the club on a free transfer.<ref name="target"/>
===Heart of Midlothian=== Stockton signed for Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian on a pre-contract on 2 June 2017, joining on a two-year deal on 1 July after his Tranmere contract came to an end.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts sign Tranmere striker Stockton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40134907 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2017}}</ref> Hearts struggled at the start of the 2017–18 season and Stockton criticised outgoing manager Ian Cathro's training methods and claimed that interim manager Jon Daly had improved his fitness.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stockton questions Cathro's methods |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41052734 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 August 2017}}</ref> In December, Stockton was criticised for attending a party in blackface to impersonate Mr. T, and he subsequently apologised.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Ewan |title=Jamie Robson disciplined by Dundee United for blacking up at players' party |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/12/jamie-robson-disciplined-dundee-united-blacking-up-players-party |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=the Guardian |date=12 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Speaking later that month, manager Craig Levein said that Stockton must get stronger and improve his hold up play in order to secure more game time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts boss: Cole Stockton must improve '" but so must our service |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts-boss-cole-stockton-must-improve-so-must-our-service-594428 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=15 December 2017 |language=en}}</ref> He failed to score in four starts and eleven substitute appearances for Hearts, and was allowed to leave Tynecastle by mutual consent on 26 January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts release striker Cole Stockton |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts-release-striker-cole-stockton-590813 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=26 January 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
===Carlisle United=== On 26 January 2018, Stockton signed for League Two club Carlisle United.<ref name=carlisle>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42840390 |title=Carlisle United sign Cole Stockton and Kris Twardek |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 January 2018 |access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> Manager Keith Curle had attempted to sign him the previous summer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nixon |first1=Amy |title=INTERVIEW: I just want to get going |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2018/january/stocktoninterview25jan18/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |date=26 January 2018 |language=en-gb}}</ref> He made his debut for the "Cumbrians" the following day, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute in a 1–0 win over Forest Green Rovers at Brunton Park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Carlisle United 1-0 Forest Green Rovers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42756554 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2018}}</ref> On 3 February, he scored in his first start for the "Blues", in a 4–3 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wycombe Wanderers 4-3 Carlisle United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42842237 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 February 2018}}</ref> This was his only goal in ten starts and two substitute appearances in the second half of the 2017–18 campaign.<ref name=sb1718/> He left the club by mutual consent on 2 August 2018 as new manager John Sheridan looked to free up money in the wage bill for new signings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Striker Cole Stockton leaves Carlisle United and rejoins Tranmere |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/16739302.striker-cole-stockton-leaves-carlisle-united-rejoins-tranmere/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=News and Star |date=2 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
===Return to Tranmere Rovers=== On 2 August 2018, Stockton re-signed for Tranmere Rovers – newly promoted to League Two – on a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45046284 |title=Cole Stockton: Tranmere Rovers re-sign striker after Carlisle United exit |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 August 2018 |access-date=2 August 2018}}</ref> He made fifteen starts and five substitute appearances in the first half of the 2018–19 season.<ref name=sb1819/> On 7 January 2019, he joined National League club Wrexham on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season; he stated that he aimed to win promotion with Bryan Hughes's "Red Dragons".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Richard |title=Cole Stockton has come to Wrexham AFC to win promotion |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/17348306.cole-stockton-come-wrexham-afc-win-promotion/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=The Leader |date=10 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref> However he made just one start and seven substitute appearances in the league for Wrexham, scoring one goal against Gateshead, and did not feature in the play-off quarter-final defeat to Eastleigh.<ref name=Soccerway/><ref>{{cite news |title=Wrexham 0-1 Eastleigh |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48083767 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2019}}</ref>
===Return to Morecambe=== On 12 June 2019, Stockton signed for Morecambe.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48610133 |title=Cole Stockton: Morecambe sign striker from Tranmere Rovers |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=12 June 2019}}</ref> Manager Jim Bentley said that: "he's had a couple of up and down seasons at various clubs but we feel he has good strengths that will help us improve".<ref>{{cite news |title=Cole Stockton Signs |url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2019/june/cole-stockton-signs-for-morecambe/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=www.morecambefc.com |date=12 June 2019 |language=en-gb}}</ref> He scored six goals in 27 starts and eight substitute appearances in the 2019–20 campaign, which was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England with Morecambe in 22nd place; Stockton was the club's top goalscorer having scored one more cup goal than Lewis Alessandra.<ref name=sb1920/>
He scored fifteen goals in 46 starts and three substitute appearances in the 2020–21 season, with Carlos Mendes Gomes beating his goal tally by a single goal.<ref name=sb2021/> Morecambe qualified for the play-offs with a fourth-place finish, having missed out on automatic promotion by one point. They played Stockton's former club Tranmere Rovers in the play-off semi-finals, and won 3–2 on aggregate; Stockton provided an assist for Liam McAlinden in the first leg victory at Prenton Park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tranmere 1-2 Morecambe: Shrimps edge first leg of League Two play-off semi-final |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/tranmere-rovers-vs-morecambe/444053 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Sky Sports |date=20 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shrimps hold Tranmere to reach final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57132083 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2021}}</ref> They went on to beat Newport County 1–0 in the play-off final at Wembley, with Mendes Gomes scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot in extra time.<ref name=bbcasit3>{{Cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/56725826?page=3 | publisher = BBC Sport | access-date = 1 June 2021 | date = 31 May 2021 | title = League Two play-off final: Morecambe 1–0 Newport County – Morecambe promoted to League One for first time in club's history (3 of 9) | first = Gareth | last = Vincent | archive-date = 2 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210602160631/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/56725826/page/3 | url-status = live }}</ref> In June, he signed a two-year deal with the club following promotion to League One.<ref>{{cite news |title=NEW DEAL {{!}} Cole Stockton |url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/june/stockton-signs/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=www.morecambefc.com |date=11 June 2021 |language=en-gb}}</ref>
Stockton was given the EFL League One Player of the Month award for August 2021 after scoring four goals in five matches.<ref name="Aug 21 POTM">{{cite web|url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/september/super-stockton-claims-player-of-the-month-award/|title=Super Stockton claims Player of the Month award|website=www.morecambefc.com|date=10 September 2021|accessdate=13 September 2021}}</ref> This award came the day after he won the Goal of the Month award for his opening day finish at Ipswich Town.<ref name="Aug 21 GOTM">{{cite web|url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/september/stocktons-ipswich-finish-wins-goal-of-the-month/|title=Stockton's Ipswich finish wins Goal of the Month|website=www.morecambefc.com|date=9 September 2021|accessdate=13 September 2021}}</ref> This impressive start to the season continued for Stockton and after five goals in September, Stockton was again awarded the division's Player of the Month award.<ref name="Sep21 POTM">{{cite web|url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/october/stockton-wins-sky-bet-league-one-player-of-the-month-again/|title=Stockton wins Sky Bet League One Player of the Month again!|website=www.morecambefc.com|date=8 October 2021|accessdate=11 October 2021}}</ref> He also won the Goal of the Month award for a second consecutive month after a forty-yard lob against AFC Wimbledon.<ref name="Sep21 GOTM">{{cite web|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2021/october/goal-of-the-month-september-winners/|title=Goal of the Month: September winners|website=www.efl.com|date=15 October 2021|accessdate=19 November 2021}}</ref> Manager Stephen Robinson compared him to Harry Kane and admitted that "when we are without him we really struggle".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mashiter |first1=Nick |title=Stephen Robinson: Cole Stockton is Morecambe's version of Harry Kane |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/stephen-robinson-cole-stockton-is-morecambes-version-of-harry-kane-41220382.html |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=8 January 2022}}</ref> He finished the 2021–22 season with 26 goals in 50 starts, helping Morecambe to finish two places and two points above the relegation zone, and was named on the PFA Team of the Year.<ref name=sb2122/><ref name="PFA">{{cite news |title=PFA League One Team of the Year |url=https://www.thepfa.com/news/2022/6/9/pfa-awards-22-league-one-toty |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=www.thepfa.com |date=9 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
He was offered a new contract in August 2022 that manager Derek Adams said would make him the club's highest paid player.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cole Stockton offered new contract to be Morecambe FC's highest paid player |url=https://www.beyondradio.co.uk/news/local-sport/cole-stockton-offered-new-contract-to-be-morecambe-fcs-highest-paid-player/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Beyond Radio |date=21 August 2022 |language=en}}</ref> However, he did not sign a new deal and left the club following the 2022–23 season after his contract expired.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 May 2023 |title=Club News {{!}} Retained List announced |url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2023/may/club-news--retained-list-announced/ |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=www.morecambefc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>
===Burton Albion=== On 19 June 2023, it was announced that Stockton would join EFL League One club Burton Albion on a two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 June 2023 |title=Burton to sign strikers Stockton and Gordon |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65954203 |access-date=2023-06-27}}</ref>
On 17 January 2024, Stockton joined League Two club Barrow on loan until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2024/january/cole-stockton-signs/|title=Cole Stockton Joins The Bluebirds On Loan|website=www.barrowafc.com|date=17 January 2024|accessdate=17 January 2024}}</ref>
===Salford City=== Stockton signed for EFL League Two side Salford City on 7 June 2024 on a two-year deal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Salford City |date=2024-06-07 |title=Cole Stockton Agrees Terms With The Ammies |url=https://www.urbanzoo.io/news/2024/june/07/cole-stockton-agrees-terms-with-the-ammies/ |access-date=2026-06-01 |website=Salford City FC |language=en}}</ref>
On 1 June 2026, it was announced by the club that Stockton would leave the club on expiry of his contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Salford City |date=2026-06-01 |title=Retained & Released List 2025-26 |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2026/june/01/retained-and-released-list-2025-26/ |access-date=2026-06-01 |website=Salford City FC |language=en}}</ref>
==Style of play== A target man forward, Stockton scores the majority of his goals with his right-foot.<ref name="one foot"/> Manager Micky Mellon stated that "he's a good size and he uses his physique very well. He knows how to use his frame and his strength... he's got an unbelievable strike on him [and] he's a good finisher... but he's not going to run channels for you and things like that".<ref name="target">{{cite news |title=Tranmere manager reveals what Cole Stockton will bring to Hearts |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/tranmere-manager-reveals-what-cole-stockton-will-bring-hearts-599954 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=20 June 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 27 April 2024}}
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan=2|Club !rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|National Cup{{efn|Includes FA Cup}} !colspan=2|League Cup{{efn|Includes League Cup/EFL Cup and Scottish League Cup}} !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan=7|Tranmere Rovers |2011–12<ref name=sb1112>{{soccerbase season|63703|2011|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> |League One |1||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||1||0 |- |2012–13<ref name=sb1213>{{soccerbase season|63703|2012|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> |League One |31||3||3||2||1||1||1{{efn|name=FLT|Appearance in Football League Trophy}}||0||36||6 |- |2013–14<ref name=sb1314>{{soccerbase season|63703|2013|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> |League One |21||2||2||0||2||1||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||26||3 |- |2014–15<ref name=sb1415>{{soccerbase season|63703|2014|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> |League Two |22||4||3||2||1||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||27||6 |- |2015–16<ref name=Soccerway/> |National League |6||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||0||0||6||0 |- |2016–17<ref name=Soccerway/> |National League |16||5||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||7{{efn|Four appearances and five goals in FA Trophy, three appearances and three goals in National League play-offs}}||8||23||13 |- !colspan=2|Total !97||14||8||4||4||2||10||8||119||28 |- |Vauxhall Motors (loan) |2011–12<ref name=NLCD1112>{{cite book |editor1-first=Mike |editor1-last=Williams |editor2-first=Tony |editor2-last=Williams |title=Non-League Club Directory 2013 |year=2012 |publisher=Tony Williams Publications |isbn=978-1-869833-77-0 |pages=242–243}}</ref> |Conference North |8||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=FAT|Appearance(s) in FA Trophy}}||2||11||3 |- |Southport (loan) |2015–16<ref name=Soccerway/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-11-09|title=Player Details Cole Stockton|url=https://www.southportfootballclub.co.uk/players/player-details/?id=2270|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-04|website=Southport FC Former Players Association|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403215712/http://www.southportfootballclub.co.uk/players/player-details/?id=2270 |archive-date=3 April 2019 }}</ref> |National League |10||3||1||0||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=LSC|Appearance in Lancashire Senior Cup}} |1||12||4 |- |rowspan=3|Morecambe (loan) |2015–16<ref name=sb1516>{{soccerbase season|63703|2015|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> |League Two |7||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||7||2 |- |2016–17<ref name=sb1617>{{soccerbase season|63703|2016|accessdate=10 December 2017}}</ref> |League Two |19||5||2||0||2||2||3{{efn|name=EFLT|Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy}}||3||26||10 |- !colspan=2|Total !26||7||2||0||2||2||3||3||33||12 |- |Heart of Midlothian |2017–18<ref name=sb1718/> |Scottish Premiership |12||0||0||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||15||0 |- |Carlisle United |2017–18<ref name=sb1718>{{soccerbase season|63703|2017|accessdate=16 May 2018}}</ref> |League Two |12||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||12||1 |- |Tranmere Rovers |2018–19<ref name=sb1819>{{soccerbase season|63703|2018|accessdate=9 January 2019}}</ref> |League Two |16||1||2||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=EFLT}}||1||20||2 |- |Wrexham (loan) |2018–19<ref name=Soccerway>{{Soccerway|cole-stockton/219835|access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> |National League |8||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=FAT}}||0||9||1 |- |rowspan="5"|Morecambe |2019–20<ref name=sb1920>{{soccerbase season|63703|2019|accessdate=21 November 2021}}</ref> |League Two |30||5||1||1||1||0||3{{efn|name=EFLT}}||0||35||6 |- |2020–21<ref name=sb2021>{{soccerbase season|63703|2020|accessdate=21 November 2021}}</ref> |League Two |40||13||3||2||2||0||4{{efn|One appearance in EFL Trophy, three appearances in League Two play-offs}}||0||49||15 |- |2021–22<ref name=sb2122>{{soccerbase season|63703|2021|accessdate=21 November 2021}}</ref> |League One |44||23||3||1||2||2||1{{efn|name=EFLT}}||0||50||26 |- |2022–23<ref name=sb2223>{{soccerbase season|63703|2022|accessdate=21 November 2021}}</ref> |League One |39||11||1||0||2||0||2{{efn|name=EFLT}}||1||44||12 |- !colspan="2"|Total !153||52||8||4||7||2||10||1||178||59 |- ||Burton Albion |2023–24<ref name=sb2324>{{soccerbase season|63703|2023|accessdate=21 November 2021}}</ref> |League One |10||0||2||0||1||0||3{{efn|name=EFLT}}||1||16||1 |- ||Barrow (loan) |2023–24<ref name=sb2324/> |League Two |17||7||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||17||7 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !367||87||23||8||18||6||32||17||440||118 |}
{{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Morecambe''' *EFL League Two play-offs: 2021<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearlman |first1=Michael |title=Shrimps go up with extra-time penalty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57224523 |access-date=22 August 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2021}}</ref>
'''Individual''' *PFA Team of the Year: 2021–22 League One<ref name="PFA"/> *EFL League One Player of the Month: August 2021,<ref name="Aug 21 POTM"/> September 2021<ref name="Sep21 POTM"/> *EFL League One Goal of the Month: August 2021,<ref name="Aug 21 GOTM"/> September 2021<ref name="Sep21 GOTM"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Salford City F.C. squad}} {{2021–22 EFL League One PFA Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stockton, Cole}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Huyton Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Tranmere Rovers F.C. players Category:Vauxhall Motors F.C. players Category:Southport F.C. players Category:Morecambe F.C. players Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players Category:Carlisle United F.C. players Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players Category:Burton Albion F.C. players Category:Barrow A.F.C. players Category:National League (English football) players Category:English Football League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:21st-century English sportsmen