Maidstone United manager George Elokobi wants to give fans a day to remember in their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Ipswich Town
George Elokobi hopes to give supporters a day they will never forget when Maidstone visit Championship big boys Ipswich in the FA Cup fourth round.
United will be backed by almost 4,500 travelling fans in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, live on BBC1 (12.30pm).
The Cobbold Stand at Portman Road is set to be transformed into a sea of black and amber, with thousands of balloons released to greet Elokobi’s National League South side.
Maidstone, playing in round four for the first time in their history, are the last non-league club standing in this season’s competition.
They’re 98 places below an Ipswich outfit who are second in the Championship and fighting for promotion to the Premier League.
It’s a day for the club to enjoy, whatever the outcome.
Stones boss Elokobi said: “It’s fantastic to have Maidstone United in the last 32 as the only non-league club. It’s just incredible. Amazing.
“The community has come out in force again.
“They all deserve it and it’s a fantastic occasion for the football club, for everyone connected to us - the players, their families, the owners.
“It’s a historic moment and everyone wants to be a part of it at Ipswich.
“Whatever the outcome, we’re going to have a fantastic day and the players deserve that.
“I’m sure there’ll be a lot of emotion on the day in terms of the fans.
“The kids, the young Maidstone fans, they are the next generation and it’s going to be a day for them to remember and I’m sure even the grown-ups want to remember this day for the rest of their lives.
“It’s history and history is meant to be celebrated.
“We’ve put ourselves on the map and we’ve got a lot of admirers not just in the UK but also worldwide.
“I was in town the other day and I’m being recognised in Maidstone, so