City confirmed they had snapped up the highly rated frontman on an undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic on Saturday after he had returned to the League One club from a successful loan with fellow fifth-tier promotion hopefuls Oldham Athletic.
Whilst the 21-year-old, whose move is reportedly worth a substantial six-figure fee, had failed to nail down a regular spot with Wigan, he has an impressive return of seven goals in 10 matches across his two loan spells at Boundary Park.
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Stones admits a move to North Yorkshire almost came off earlier in the season but believes that his time with Oldham has only served to help his game.
“There was interest about two months ago to come here and play, but it fell through unfortunately,” he told the club. “I signed for Oldham, got myself fit, and that was it.
“I think the assistant [Gary Elphick] is really good mates with my agent, so they’ve been talking for a while.
“When there were ongoing talks, it wasn’t really finalised.
“I think I obviously had a good connection with Oldham already, and it was a toss-up really. I think going there and getting fit has massively helped me and hopefully I can bring something here.”
Whilst the former Guiseley and Ross County forward was cup-tied for City’s disappointing defeat at Gainsborough on Saturday, he could make his debut against Maidenhead United next weekend.
A trip to Rochdale soon follows for Adam Hinshelwood’s side, but it’s a rearranged trip to Oldham on January 21 – that will likely pit Stones against his former club – that has got tongues wagging.
“It’ll be interesting to play against them and see some familiar faces. I think it’s a special group of players and staff and the fans are unbelievable, so it’ll be nice to play in front of them, even if it is against them.
“I’ve got nothing bad to say about Oldham, I’ve loved every minute I’ve been there, and I think this wouldn’t have happened without them and Wigan.
“I think we need to thank both of them when it comes to this because Oldham gave me a platform to go show what I can do. I’ve got nothing but respect for Oldham.
“We were meant to play against each other on Boxing Day, it still wasn’t big, I didn’t know it was going to happen.
“But speaking to the manager, the assistants, everyone here, and speaking to players at Wigan who have got friends here, it was a no-brainer really.
“It’s a club with massive ambition, and hopefully I can play my part in helping. I’m buzzing to get going and hopefully play a big part in it [City’s promotion push].”
