Maidstone caretaker manager George Elokobi says it’s reassuring to get public backing from the board. Co-owner Terry Casey revealed last week the Stones had held interviews for Hakan Hayrettin’s successor but nobody had matched up to their temporary boss.
Casey said Elokobi hadn’t put a foot wrong, adding the board had been impressed with everything he’s done. It was nice to hear for Elokobi, who leads Maidstone into a bottom-of-the-table National League clash at home to Scunthorpe tonight.
Victory would move United level on points with the Iron and end a run of 13 league games without a win. “I get on really well with the entire board but it’s reassuring to hear that from Terry,” said Elokobi, whose side drew 1-1 with Gateshead on Saturday. “He’s run this football club for years. “He’s a lifelong Maidstone United fan, as much as he is one of the co-owners, and I can only take a lot of gratitude from what he said. “It’s good to see our work as a management team is appreciated, which it very much is from those words. “I know Terry spoke for himself but that’s on behalf of the board and we’ll keep giving our best to make sure we try and bring the best to this football club. “I’m sure if he’s delighted, I know a lot of the fans are delighted with what they’re seeing. “They’re happy with the performances that we’ve been putting out here as a group, as a club, but to hear those words from the owner was quite pleasing. “But I don’t get carried away.
There’s a job to be done.” Elokobi stepped up from the academy coaching staff to take charge of the first team after Hayrettin’s departure last month.