WIMBORNE Town skipper Scott Arnold heralded the loyalty of “calming influence” James Stokoe after the stalwart made his 450th appearance for the club.

The midfielder reached the landmark in Magpies’ bruising 4-2 defeat against Basingstoke Town on Saturday at Koolpak Stadium.

Stokoe has played a key role this season as the Cuthbury club attempt to avoid relegation from Southern League South.

In 2018-19, he has featured in 29 league games and scored four goals.

Discussing the former Eastleigh and Bashley talent’s latest milestone, Arnold told the Daily Echo: “He is a clubman and he has been loyal to Wimborne for so many years.

“He is a credit to himself, his family and the club. He is a good lad, he keeps himself to himself and all the boys respect him.

“Playing in centre midfield, he still puts in a shift and dominates in there but he is a cool head as well. When we are up against it, people look to him and he will be there plugging away.

“He is definitely a calming influence.”

Stokoe celebrated his testimonial with Wimborne at the end of last season.

Arnold, who has played in more than 550 games for Magpies, said his team-mate epitomised the club’s spirit and backed him to press ahead towards 500 appearances.

“To achieve what he has done and to stay at the club for so long giving so much time to Wimborne is fantastic, especially when you consider he lives in Southampton and he works away in London a lot of the time – it is a massive commitment from him,” said Arnold.

“He has looked just as good, if not better, playing at this level than he did last season.

“He has been fantastic and has a good two or three seasons left in him with the way he is playing at the moment. And you have Carl Pettefer, who is 38 now, so age is definitely on his side.”

With five games to play, Magpies sit five points clear of the relegation zone in 17th, with just one point from their past six matches.

Wimborne boss Matty Holmes said Stokoe’s experience had been key this season.

“He keeps going and is the sort of lad you want in your side, especially with our situation,” said Holmes.

“He is a big character, the team look towards him and he is a leader, which is what you want from now until the end of the season.

“You want everyone having a right go, like Stokesy, and showing they really care because they do care and they want to stay in this league.”