George Elokobi to step down as Maidstone United manager at the end of this season

Maidstone United have confirmed George Elokobi will step down as manager at the end of the season, with the club currently battling to secure a place in the National League South play-offs.

The 38-year-old will leave when his contract expires, bringing to an end a seven-year spell at the Gallagher Stadium as player, captain and manager.

Maidstone said it had been keen to retain Elokobi but cited financial pressures and delays in a potential takeover – which could improve the playing budget – as key factors that influenced his decision.

The club also confirmed that Elokobi and his management team will remain in charge for the remainder of the campaign as the Stones look to finish the season on a high.

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Respect

In a statement released on Monday, the club said: “George Elokobi will step down as Maidstone United manager at the end of the season.

“George has taken the decision to leave Maidstone United at the end of his contract. The club has huge respect for him and was keen to retain his services.

“Club finances are under pressure and negotiations over the sale, which could potentially improve the playing budget, are taking longer than expected.

“George and his management team have reiterated their commitment to finishing the season in the highest possible position.

Memories

The Cameroonian joined Maidstone in 2019 and quickly established himself as a key figure.

In the 2021–22 season, he captained Maidstone to the National League South title and scored in his final appearance, lifting the trophy in front of a sell-out crowd.

After retiring from playing, he continued in a coaching capacity before being appointed caretaker manager in January 2023, later taking the role on a permanent basis as the club returned to Step 2 following relegation.

During his time in charge, Maidstone reached the play-offs again and enjoyed a run to the fifth round of the FA Cup, becoming the lowest-ranked side since 1978 to reach that stage.

The run included a fourth-round victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s recent history.

Elokobi, reflecting on his time at the club, said in the statement: “Football is about making memories that will last forever.

“Together through passion, values and belief we created some magical moments that will connect us for life.

“My gratitude to our owners (Terry and Oliver), director of football (Bill Williams), the players and management team and all the staff at the football club and mostly to our wonderful supporters and wider community.”

Gratitude

Paying tribute to the departing manager, co-owner Oliver Ash added: “I know I speak for everyone connected with the club when I say we owe George an immense amount of gratitude and respect for the hard work he put in both as a player and as our manager.

“Entrusting George with the manager’s role three years ago is certainly one of the best decisions we have made and, while I have many fond memories from his time in charge, like many Stones supporters I will never forget the emotion of the FA Cup win at Portman Road.”

Co‑owner Terry Casey said: “George has made an immense contribution to Maidstone United.

“As a player, captain, mentor and manager, he brought experience, boundless energy and a unique ability to motivate those around him.

“His successes on the pitch, both as a player and manager, are unquestionable but, for me, equally important are his successes off it.

“He has touched the lives of countless people during his time here and will be greatly missed by us all.”

Elokobi’s final home game will be against title-chasing Worthing as Maidstone look to secure a top-seven finish.

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