Now 40, Stanley was appointed player/manager at Hampshire village side Brockenhurst FC.
The step five club said Stanley would bring "much-needed experience on and off the field".
He made 81 appearances for the Bulls in the mid-2000s.
Tweeting after the first game of his 25th season, he said: "Start of my 25th season playing ⚽️ for @Brock_FC last night 🙈👴🏻 😂
"Good point and start to the season last night against a good @BMRFC side 👊 ⚽️💙"
The match against Baffins Milton Rovers FC ended 0-0.
Stanley was part of the Lymington Town side who drew against Hereford FC in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup in September 2021. Days later he played at Edgar Street as the Bulls won the replay 4-0.