The Downfall of Anthony Stokes

[@paulkerr2654]

Remember being in Corinthian in Glasgow one night (about 10 years ago) when he was a celtic player, just sat at the poker table alone pissing away money like it meant nothing to him. The boy looked absolutely miserable, I always remember that the most. Just fed up with life at only 24, and this was someone making thousands a week playing for his boyhood club.

[@seanhibs1093]

Class player on his day. His cup final performance was the best live individual performance I’ve ever witnessed. He was like a man possessed against the huns! GGTTH🇳🇬

[@StephenReillyDrums]

Went to primary school with him for a couple of years before he moved on. Ever since I have used him as the bar when someone claims they could’ve turned pro if they committed to it or the knee didn’t go or the drink etc etc… because at 9/10 years old he was better than everyone by a country mile. Brilliant Gaelic footballer too. Always followed his career with interest and hoped he would kick on at international level too. A shame how it ended because he was an undeniable talent who despite the issues, still had a great career tinged with a big “what if?”

[@spreadthelove77]

Stokes on his day was brilliant for us (Celtic). We knew he was a bit of a madman and that’s proven to be the case later on in his life, but hey, he lived a lot of people’s dreams and scored goals for Celtic and was instrumental in getting the coveted Scottish Cup for Hibs v Rangers. Nice vid and commentary Paul, more of these would be class. All the best from Glasgow 💚

[@1972dsrai]

He was an average player in an average team and that time.

[@DS-zy4gs]

Bags of ability, never hit the heights he should have, fuck it! He gave us Hibs family the greatest footballing day in 2016.

[@muttsy13]

He was on trial with irish team shamrock rovers but the members kicked up a fuss and he wasnt offered a contract

[@paulherlihy9290]

Definitely a talented player possibly from the wrong era. I m a Dubliner myself and i met him in Glasgow one day and we spoke for a couple of minutes. I am not the type of guy to approach Celtic players if i see them out and about. But i was glad i spoke to him. No doubt he had his off field problems with some of them being inexcusable. I remember the Scottish Cup final of 2016 and i remember he had the game if his career that day. I don't normally watch Rangers play in a Scottish Cup final unless they are playing Celtic. But my god i wished i watched that one. Stokes played like a £10m striker that day🍀🇮🇪

[@trevorjoneill707]

he was a fool that never took his chance

[@SK-fr7nh]

Really good insight on Stokes! My first season ticket years were watching him and hooper cause chaos, it was brilliant! Shame he couldn’t screw the nut.

[@daithihugs67]

Great ability when on his game. Had demons in his head no doubt but don't most of us. Delighted for him and Hibs in that cup final and the singing celebrations afterwards were sensational.. hope he sorts himself out for the life ahead. Great video btw Paul. HH.

[@ConnarWilson]

He made the professional game, represented his country, won silverware and played at the highest level of european football. He's done more than any of us will ever do.

[@samsummer8382]

But he did he do as much as he could do!

[@paulherlihy9290]

That is true buddy, but he could and should of achieved alot more!

[@TheRealAhoy]

​@@samsummer8382It's a luxury that we get to sit back and assess how well people did or didn't do in their careers. Whatever level of "success" he achieved, it was still a lot of success.

[@samsummer8382]

@@TheRealAhoy it's a luxury to even be alive at all

[@TheRealAhoy]

@@samsummer8382 All this pithy analysis is certainly a way to spend time, but it's a luxury. It's pretty insulting most people (who comment on the internet anyway) in the world make luxuries out to be like some gruelling stay in the trenches

[@johnnyM809]

He was brilliant for Hibs...and played a huge part in our Scottish Cup win of 2016.

[@kieranhaldane3182]

Man won Hibs the Scottish cup , should of never left Hibs 1st time around !

[@Mrtwistedblack]

As a Sunderland fan my opinion is of a player that lacked the enthusiasm, energy levels and desire to be a top player. Only rarely saw glimpses of his top level. Was a squad player for us and with good reason. Your video highlights that while he was a good player he wasn’t close to being a top player.

[@oce1989]

So talented when he wanted to be and had so much to his game. If you watched him enough you’ll know he had two good feet, could dribble, shoot from distance, bang in free-kicks, good in the air, and if you think he couldn’t pass just look at his assist stats. I wanted more from him at Celtic and was gutted he didn’t step up.

[@John-qy9nw]

He wasn't the best player ever for Celtic but he was pretty good. In a 4-3-3 however, the only viable position for him would be false 9 because he didn't have the pace to go in behind. He was a fantastic finisher and something no-one ever talks about is that he had a fantastic final ball. He was best when he was considered the main man upfront with other people to do the running for him.

[@MrBagpipes]

Stokes assist rate was brilliant.

[@Derek-qu8qi]

6:03 I was at the game and never watched it back, so this is the first time I’ve seen this footage. That is a clear penalty. I always thought he had dived, but the defender clearly catches his ankles. The whole side were terrible that day, not just Stokes. Ki pulled out of a challenge on the halfway so not to get booked and they scored from the attack. A feature of Lennons teams.

[@stuartwyllie999]

He went the route of promising Scottish players, drinking and partying. It's seems to be changing now though and yes, i know he's Irish

[@markc3258]

Hangs around with the wrong type Thinks he’s a hard man .. not a nice person .

[@Nitehawkmk77]

He had talent, but probably was the ego being so inflated

[@justwhaleseals]

What is it with Hibs and getting players that cause/have controversies with them?

[@stephen4757]

This is class man. More of these

[@anotheronefrompaul7395]

Cheers Stephen, more to come

[@Derek-qu8qi]

1:01 you didn’t mention that Celtic tried to sign Stokes, but he chose Sunderland instead.

[@BABYKAMIRETURNS]

He was okay but not good enough for Celtic. He had countless opportunities to make his mark but screwed up. Shame he never got the Livingston gig.

[@martinmcgoldrick1357]

He set off the fire alarm in the middle of the night at the hotel hibs were staying. He thought it was funny to see all the hotel guests standing in the car park. Hibs sacked him 2 days later.

[@carlosdeno]

Great analysis on an absolute waste of skin and bone, who won’t be missed. What was his name again?

[@JSL2000]

I'll give you one word to describe the downfall of Anthony Stokes - Propecia. That drug has caused relentless misery and untold mental pain.

[@becksy539]

He was never that good a player, he was a good SPL level player but rubbish in a competitave league like in England, dozens of players like that, prolific in the SPL but rubbish everywhere else, also his irish record, 9 games no goals, i see no downfall here, just an average player who scored a few goals in scottish footy

[@joeogilvie7444]

Played class every time and dont forget when scoce his first celtic goal against the rangers pure class rio happy if he goes hail hail 🍀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏❤️

[@nickwatson2167]

Legend GGTTH

[@chulainn32]

Never a dive in the cup final - can even see it here that contact was made. HH

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

not good enough and something in his "make up" just isnt right.

[@jamesburke2094]

Hardly fallen given he played in the Scottish pub league

[@niall679]

Ah ha if you know you know Elvis has left the building in an ambulance 😂😂😂😂

[@carson3811]

Decent player but iv seen alot better and they also wrecked there chance at playing at the top.. for off field issues.. lee Griffith being one he was better than stokes .. scored two freekicks against England that if Messi done the same thing he would be a genius. And lee Griffith was banging in 30 goals a season snd was also scoring goals at wolves as a young boy.. but had court cases and gambling issues.. Stoke's teammate striking partner at Celtic Garry hooper.. he was linked with spurs and other EPL clubs but didn't do much stokes was a decent player in a bad Celtic side .. compared to now.. a prime Stokes'wouldn't get near the Celtic squad he's not as good as kyogo or other strikees that ange got rid off.. hibs or mid table Scottish teams were his level.. but if he didn't party take cocaine and trained like a Ronaldo type always training extra and not drinking taking drugs .. and in the boozer partying 🤷 maybe he could have had a better career but he didn't do that .. and wasn't as gifted as lee Griffith or Garry hooper and they both didn't do much after there peak at Celtic.. avarage spl striker

[@Stefano1875]

legend.

[@briandoherty1886]

He’s a narcissist he stalks his ex girlfriend and should be locked up for the safety of others that’s why his career in the toilet as he has a cluster B disorder they always make bad decisions in life ✌🏻

[@allancraig7869]

Legend!!!

[@benwills6862]

Knobhead springs to mind 😂

[@Ironsmiler]

Needs to go back to Scotland for another jolly up.

[@WilliamPaterson-r5j]

Gave me best football day of my life ggtth

[@anotheronefrompaul7395]

May well be my favourite non-Celtic game of all time

[@5340robert]

Shame he never signed for Stoke City lol

[@user-ze8jl3dv1j]

? Has he been convicted of anything yet? Apart from scoring against THEM? Give the lad a break and report on FACTS. I look forward to your update, Mr CUUsrtauurd Pie.

[@STSauto]

Hes in jail mate

[@Millerfam19]

Hibs legend 💪

[@stephencruickshanks3794]

Had zero pace & wis a bampot. Never as talented as some folk made oot.

[@086DEN]

Waster

[@robblake8518]

He was muck

[@seancomrie4714]

He was always a big fanny

[@krude-ck3wy]

😂 downfall? He was always 💩

[@cilldublin07]

clown

[@Irish-1916]

Too fond off the ❄️

[@ExposedBen]

Potatoes 🥔

[@nc2933]

Hilarious

[@iamthewalruscuckookachoo1372]

POTATOES

[@Potatoes.are.underrated]

Yes

[@OpenDoorEnglish]

Waster