Maidstone United announce new deal for defender Sam Bone before National League game at Southend as boss George Elokobi calls for big finish to the season following relegation

Defender Sam Bone has signed a new deal at relegated Maidstone United.

Bone, 25, became George Elokobi's first signing as caretaker manager when he joined his hometown club in January after a spell training at the Gallagher.

Before that, he'd spent six years playing in Ireland, winning the Irish Cup with St Patrick's.

His wholehearted approach quickly won over Stones fans and he's handed the club a big boost by agreeing terms for next season in National South.

"I'm delighted," Bone, who can also play in midfield, told Stones TV.

"It was something I had in mind when I first came through the doors here.

"I'm just happy to know where my future is now.

"In previous years I've come to the end of the season and I'm like, what am I doing, whereas, now, I've got that confirmation.

"I know, obviously, we're relegated.

"We've got five games left to try and get that win but I suppose my focus is going to be on having a really good pre-season and hitting the ground running for next season."

Bone is set to line up at Southend today as Maidstone, whose relegation was confirmed after losing to Boreham Wood last weekend, bid to end a run of 20 league games without a win.

The Stones may be down but Elokobi, confirmed as Hakan Hayrettin's full-time successor a fortnight ago, wants to finish the season on a high.

"It’s my job to make sure I pick our lads up and make sure I tell them there’s no hiding place in football," said Elokobi.

"This is not the time to hide out, this is a time to be resilient, this is a time to stand up and be counted, which they have.

"The players, since I’ve come in, they have been giving me their all and that isn’t going to stop just because of the relegation.

"They feel accountable for what's happened and I feel