Maidstone United defender Gavin Hoyte on staying at the Gallagher Stadium and rebuilding after relegation

Gavin Hoyte wants to help Maidstone put things right after signing a new deal.

Defender Hoyte is on board for a fifth season at the Gallagher and his experience will be vital as the club look to recover from National League relegation.

The right-back sat out half the season with a dislocated shoulder as United went 25 games without a win.

A calf injury delayed his return before appearing as a late substitute in the final game at Chesterfield.

Manager George Elokobi remained keen to keep Hoyte and there’s a big job on as Maidstone rebuild in National League South.

“I just want do well,” said Hoyte, 32.

“I’m not getting any younger but I still want to be successful.

“The way George wants to go forward is the way I want to go forward - it just felt right to stay.

“I love the club, my family love the club and when you’re feeling at home, that’s when you play your best football.

“Five years is a long time - the longest I’ve been anywhere - and I feel have that special bond with the club.

“I didn’t know if I’d get a new contract, when you see Luque going and a few others not getting signed.

“You never know what’s going to happen in football, what people are thinking and sometimes it’s not always up to the manager.

“You never know until you’ve actually signed that contract.

“It was a tough season for everyone but if we all get on board and all push in the right direction, then I think we can be successful next season.

“We saw glimpses of what we can do under George and now he’s got a full pre-season I think he’ll get us going. We’re in good hands.”

Elokobi is making good progress building a squad and Hoyte has called on Maidstone to recreate the Gallagher of old if they are to be successful.

He said: “We’ve just got to work