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Sport

Maidstone United manager George Elokobi believes his new structure will stand the test of time

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 27 April 2023

Updated: 16:08, 27 April 2023

George Elokobi says the new structure he’s implementing at Maidstone will be in place for a long time.

Relegated United play the final game of a desperate season at third-placed Chesterfield on Saturday (5.30pm). The match will be shown live on BT Sport.

Maidstone United manager George Elokobi. Picture: Steve Terrell

It’s been a campaign to forget for the Stones who have gone 24 National League games without a win, stretching back to November.

Better times are ahead if Elokobi’s got anything to do with it, with the manager working hard to change things behind the scenes in order for a new-look side to flourish in National South.

He’s taken only four points from 18 games in charge and that’s been hard to take. But things will change.

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“I’m a winner,” said the ex-Wolves defender, who today released left-back Jerome Binnom-Williams. “I want to win.

“Do I like conceding soft goals? Do I like losing games? No.

“At this club we are all winners.

“We all want to win but we understand where we are.

“When I came in, it took me three weeks to assess everything and try to put things in place.

“Thankfully the board has trusted me with that and they’re right behind me to make sure we’ve got a good structure in place.

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“Yes, we can have good players but if there’s no structure in place and we still keep having those cracks, then the foundation is going to break.

“It’s for us to make sure we build a good foundation for our structure, which has already been implemented, and that’s how we’re going to go forward and everyone is going to benefit.

“Hopefully I’m successful here but if I’m not here tomorrow, someone that comes after me is going to ensure that they keep that structure in place.

Maidstone lost 5-2 at home to runners-up Notts County last weekend. Picture: Steve Terrell

“There is a wealth of experience in myself and Craig (Fagan, assistant manager), having played at some very good clubs.

“We have to ensure we bring these experiences to Maidstone United because, in my opinion, the structure has been there but the foundation has not been very strong since I’ve been at the football club, and that’s the honest truth.

“We’ll take it one structure at a time and we’ll keep putting bricks in place.”

Maidstone won National League South last season but have been found wanting back in the top flight of non-league football.

Elokobi added: “As a club, you do get these challenges. Yes, we got promoted last season. It was a successful one.

“For one reason or the other, we’ve not managed to be successful this season and that’s why I’m standing here.

“It’s not just myself, I’ve got a great management team behind me and also the board.

“I keep going back to the board because there’s things we’ve put in place that are going to be here for a long time.

“Hopefully we’ll get over the line with making sure we put those things in place and come next season we’re going to have a solid foundation to build from.”

Maidstone announced this afternoon that Binnom-Williams was leaving the club.

The popular defender was one of the stars of last season’s National South title-winning side.

Injuries have restricted his involvement this term although he captained the team in the absence of Gavin Hoyte.

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