Maidstone United appoint George Elokobi as their new manager | Former Wolves defender 'humbled' to get the job and says passion to bring success to the club 'runs through my veins'

Maidstone United have named caretaker boss George Elokobi as their new manager.

Elokobi, who was placed in temporary charge following Hakan Hayrettin’s sacking in January, has signed a deal to the end of next season.

The former Wolves defender and title-winning Stones club captain says he’s taken on a huge challenge after landing his first job in management at the age of 37.

But he’s determined to bring success back to the Gallagher Stadium after a difficult season which looks set to end in relegation.

Elokobi, who led Maidstone to the FA Trophy Quarter-Finals, is yet to win a National League game, picking up three points from a possible 33.

But the board are looking at the bigger picture with the appointment and were impressed by Elokobi’s plans for the future.

They interviewed a number of candidates but the Cameroonian stood out from the rest.

“I’m excited, but there’s work to be done in terms of where we are as a football club,” said the new Stones boss, whose side host Woking tomorrow.

“We need to put a new structure in place here that we can implement and get a squad that will be able to fully compete next season, whatever division we find ourselves in. That plan is already ongoing.

“It’s exciting times for myself. It’s challenging but I’m a man that loves a challenge.

“It’s not just myself, it’s with the board, with the staff and also the playing staff.

“I’m humbled that the board have seen the vision and hopefully we can build for the future and make sure we get the winning mentality back to our football club.

“It’s important everyone understands what’s going to be happening at Maidstone going forward.

“It’s a huge challenge and we have to take it one day at a time and ensure that this new structure in place is