Maidstone United manager George Elokobi explains why he’s backing Devonte Aransibia and reacts to 2-0 FA Cup First Round win at Chesham United

Maidstone boss George Elokobi saw his faith in Devonte Aransibia repaid in style during their FA Cup win on Saturday.

The 25-year-old came in for some stick following last weekend’s league draw at Weston-super-Mare but Aransibia bounced back with a goal and an assist in the Stones’ 2-0 First Round win at Chesham.

“Devonte is an individual and my job as a manager, our job as a management team, is to make sure we know what the players give us,” explained Elokobi.

“I’ve done him a disservice by playing him in several positions. He’s very versatile and gets on with the job.

“It was down to me to keep playing him as I know what he brings to the club and our squad

“Devonte last week, we looked at the game and the performance in the second half. We analyse it and it wasn’t just Devonte on the pitch. It was the entire group and they all got honest feedback from myself and the management team.

“It’s not just Devonte, I’m like a big brother to everyone. I like my players, I encourage them and support them. I’ll take no criticism from anyone because I know they’re trying and doing their best. Some days it might seem that it’s not enough but that’s not the case.

“He gave us everything last week and this week he gave everything. I hope some of our supporters acknowledge that he put in the work, and he does put in the work every single day in training as well.

“I’ve never had any issues with him, he’s a player who is developing and improving so he’s going to have moments. He’s got his rewards this week.

“I’m the manager and I make the decisions. If the players are doing well as a group and individually, they will play as I see fit. We will manage them right.”

Maidstone reached the Second Round during the 2019/20 season when they lost