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Maidstone United head of football John Still pays tribute to fans following FA Cup win over Torquay

John Still paid tribute to Maidstone supporters after the FA Cup win over Torquay.

Stones fans created a tremendous atmosphere at the Gallagher and there were memorable scenes at the end as players and management celebrated with the crowd.

Maidstone captain George Elokobi leads the celebrations in front of the Genco Stand Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone captain George Elokobi leads the celebrations in front of the Genco Stand Picture: Steve Terrell

Head of football Still has history when it comes to putting smiles on Stones fans' faces, having won the Conference championship in 1989.

And after Saturday's 1-0 victory, he revealed they played a big part in his decision to return to the club.

He said: "I know this from 1989 - it is a family club.

"Lots of clubs say they're a family club, and they are, but I know this club and that's probably the reason I decided I would do this.

"I know it's a good club, with good people and good support who have followed it through difficult times.

"It's not just important that we win, it's important we give them something to get excited about.

"Most jobs I've taken, I always try and go where there's something we can achieve.

John Still takes it all in as Maidstone fans celebrate victory over Torquay Picture: Steve Terrell
John Still takes it all in as Maidstone fans celebrate victory over Torquay Picture: Steve Terrell

"To get this club back to the Football League - it might be in my time, I don't know - you've got to put the blocks in place and I think that's what we're doing here.

"We're making the team respond to the supporters and the supporters respond to the team."

Still and head coach Hakan Hayrettin have transformed Maidstone's fortunes at home this season.

They're 10 unbeaten since losing to Weymouth on the opening day - giving fans plenty to shout about.

Hayrettin said: "We lost the first game of the season, we haven't lost here since and it was important we kept that.

"It was important we showed the supporters we want to keep that going and we did.

"Everybody worked their absolute socks off to put in a great performance.

"We've won against a team that are flying high in their league, and fair play to them, but they came here and we weren't just going to lie down."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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