Maidstone United boss Craig Fagan wants an assistant manager who will speak his own mind

Craig Fagan has no interest in appointing a yes-man as his No.2 at Maidstone United.

New boss Fagan is working hard to ensure he gets the right person alongside him in the dugout.

He knows the importance of the position, having served as the assistant to former boss George Elokobi for three years.

While close friends - not a requirement for the role - Fagan was always willing to share his opinion.

He’s looking for the same from whoever he appoints as his No.2 at the Gallagher Stadium.

“It’s something I want to sort out,” said Fagan.

“I’ve had three or four people who I have been speaking to but as weeks go by, one or two more come up.

“It’s important because I want it to be the kind of relationship I had with George.

“It doesn’t have to be a friend, it just has to be someone who wants to coach, someone who wants to make people better on and off the pitch, and someone who wants to be out on the training field.

“I don’t want someone who agrees with everything I say.

“You want that relationship where they question what we’re doing in terms of shape, team, players, starting line-ups, to get the best out of myself and him and the club.

“Hopefully that’s one I’ll get done in the next couple of weeks.”

While friendship isn’t essential, Fagan won’t be working with a total stranger.

“You want it to be someone you know of,” he added.

“There are one or two I know, who are friends, but in the coaching circle or football circle, you know of people and people who put names forward.

“There are one or two who are at football clubs, and I don’t want to be pulling people away if they’re happy where they are.

“There’s people of a similar age, people who are older, there’s one or two who have been younger, but the most important thing is