Maidstone United caretaker manager George Elokobi speaks from experience when it comes to helping players back from serious injuries

George Elokobi says there’s no better man in the country than him to help Maidstone players deal with injuries.

Sol Wanjau-Smith made his first Stones start in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Gateshead - a big day for the forward after an injury-plagued debut season at the Gallagher.

Caretaker boss Elokobi knows from painful experience the challenge of fighting back from long spells out.

He lost two seasons of his career to horror knee and ankle injuries while playing for Wolves and Bristol City, on loan from Molineux, respectively.

Elokobi was quick to sit down with Wanjau-Smith after taking charge and was delighted to include him in the starting XI after a couple of bright substitute appearances.

He was due to play 70 minutes but managed almost 90 before being caught on one of his troublesome knees.

“It’s brilliant to see him out there,” said Elokobi, who also introduced Raphe Brown from the bench after a year out with an ankle injury.

“He enjoyed it. At times he looks rusty but he’s been out for a long time.

“At the same time it’s good for him building up those minutes and it’s good for us to see as a football club.

“Since I came in I said we’ll take our time with you, there’s no pressure on you to come back too early and then break down.

“He had a very good game in my opinion for someone that’s been out so long and long may that continue for us.

“This is important for our group of players, especially the ones who suffer long-term injuries, that they’ve got someone in myself who’s been there in terms of having long-term injuries, some serious ones.

“I can pass on that wisdom and knowledge in how to come back from those injuries and I think you won’t find a better man in this country to pass this on to our players.

“I had