Morecambe kick off its debut Sky Bet League One campaign away at former UEFA cup champions Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Despite the club competing in its highest division since its formation over 100 years ago, striker Stockton feels as though Stephen Robinson’s side are well prepared for the challenge ahead.
The 27-year-old made 53 League One appearances for Tranmere Rovers, scoring five goals over a three-year stint, and the Huyton-born forward is looking forward to competing at that level again.
“There are some massive clubs in this league, but we’re all in this league for a reason,” Stockton said.
“If we apply ourselves right, we can’t be fearing anyone.
“There will be teams who will cause some damage, we expect that but if we apply ourselves rightly and do what we do, then we’ve got a chance.”
Stockton, who previously spent a six-month spell on loan with the Shrimps in 2015/16, signed a new two-year deal in the summer and in doing so, became manager Robinson’s first piece of business since arriving with the club.
Following this, the manager has recruited in numbers to put together his squad ahead of the new season, and Stockton believes the level of competition can only benefit Robinson’s side.
“You’ve got to have that [competition] because it’ll keep you hungry,” he added.
“You don’t want to get comfortable because you know you’re playing, obviously if someone’s doing well then you hold your hands up and say ‘that’s fair enough’.
“At the minute, the shirt belongs to whoever wants it as in all around the squad, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens on Saturday and it’s a very long season.”