Maidstone United caretaker manager George Elokobi backs Hakan Hayrettin to be a success in his new job at Dulwich Hamlet

George Elokobi has wished Hakan Hayrettin well following the former Maidstone manager’s return to the dugout.

Hayrettin, sacked by the Stones in January, took charge at National South club Dulwich Hamlet on Thursday night.

He flew home from Cyprus, where he’d been visiting his sick mum, straight into talks with the Hamlet.

The 53-year-old won his first game in charge, with ex-Dartford defender Ronnie Vint coming off the bench to earn a 1-0 success over promotion-chasing St Albans on Saturday.

Victory left Hamlet, who’d lost nine of their previous 10 games, four points clear of the relegation zone.

Elokobi, who started his career at Dulwich, has been in caretaker charge at Maidstone since Hayrettin’s departure.

“It’s good to see him back in the game,” said Elokobi, who captained United to the National South title under Hayrettin at Maidstone last season.

“No one wants to sit at home doing nothing, so it’s exciting times for him.

“I’m sure he’ll have a successful time with Dulwich Hamlet and we wish him all the very best.

“He did incredibly well for us, so I don’t see why he wouldn’t be back in the game so quickly. His CV speaks for itself.”

Hayrettin’s appointment at Champion Hill saw him reunited with Maidstone old boys George Porter, Kreshnic Krasniqi and Johl Powell.

He made another ex-Stone, forward Josh Fawole, his first signing.

Dulwich are a club close to Elokobi’s heart, with the Londoners giving him his break in English football after moving to the UK from Cameroon as a child.

He’s always kept an eye on their results and will continue to do so.

“I’ve always got that history with Dulwich,” said Elokobi. “No one can ever take that away from me.

“I’ve got a special relationship with the Dulwich Hamlet family.