Maidstone United left-back Leo Hamblin says there’s no better mentor than manager George Elokobi as pre-season testing begins

New Maidstone left-back Leo Hamblin found himself in agreement with manager George Elokobi when they discussed his strengths and weaknesses.

Hamblin is keen to learn from Elokobi, who played in the same position during his career as a Premier League and Football League defender with Wolves.

The 22-year-old has joined the Stones from Weymouth, who were relegated from National League South last season.

He impressed in a struggling side and wants to take his game to the next level under Elokobi at the Gallagher Stadium.

“When we had a meeting, as I was signing, he talked about what he liked about my game and what I possibly need to work on,” said Hamblin, who started his career at Woking.

“I believe there’s no better mentor than a person who’s played in my position at a very good level for a long time.

“I just want to be learning and improving and helping the team.

“I’m looking forward to strengthening my strengths and trying to strengthen my weaknesses with him.

“The main points, we agreed on.

“Some people always said to me my one-to-one defending isn’t the best.

“I’ve taken a bit of work to it and over the last two years it’s been good.

“The gaffer actually said that first and I agreed.

“I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot here but he said I need to add more goals and assists to my game, which, again, I agree with.

“I’d say I’m a modern-day full-back, I love getting forward, but for some reason my numbers haven’t been amazing.

“That’s something I’ve got to improve and I’m sure I will.”

It’s not clear whether Hamblin will be the first-choice left-back at Maidstone.

There’s been no announcement on the future of Ben Brookes, who was among those offered a new deal, while Harry Kyprianou has been invited back for