Maidstone United manager George Elokobi confirms departure of midfielder Bivesh Gurung

George Elokobi has confirmed Bivesh Gurung’s departure from Maidstone United.

The midfielder, 24, was offered a new deal by his hometown club but has decided to look elsewhere.

He was spotted on trial at Dagenham & Redbridge earlier this month, appearing in a pre-season friendly at Aveley.

“Bivesh has gone,” said Stones boss Elokobi.

“We offer contracts and players have to make a decision.

“It’s important that we listen and if the offer wasn’t sufficient, they come back, we need to see where our budget is, and it’s about valuing.

“I like Bivesh as a player and he’s done a fantastic job for Maidstone United Football Club.

“I do hope we’re going to see him soon, in a good side, because he’s a good player, but we won’t be seeing Bivesh back here.”

Gurung played for the Stones’ youth section before landing a scholarship at Crystal Palace in 2017.

He had spells in Norway and Sweden but was back in English football in 2021 with a brief stint at Margate.

A return to Maidstone followed and he was part of the squad who won the National League South title in 2022.

Gurung, who chalked up his 100th Stones appearance last season, will always be remembered for his FA Cup wonder strike against Barrow as Elokobi’s men upset the League 2 side 2-1 en route to the last 16.