Maidstone United manager George Elokobi on the significance of healthy competition for National League South promotion run-in

Healthy competition is the name of the game for manager George Elokobi in Maidstone United’s promotion fight.

The additions of Tom Leahy and Ruben Shakpoke in attack have boosted Elokobi’s options for the National League South run-in.

He’s constantly assessing his squad alongside assistant manager Craig Fagan, director of football Bill Williams and head of recruitment Zach Foster-Crouch.

But the Stones appear to have good options going into the final 10 games of the campaign as they bid to secure a play-off place or better.

Maidstone visit Hornchurch on Saturday (3pm) and host weekend leaders Dorking on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“It’s good to see those new recruits finding their way, understanding our principles and impacting the environment in a positive way,” said Elokobi, whose side sit seventh.

“Now we’ve got healthy competition within the squad and that’s what we want.

“At this stage of the season, there will be twists and turns.

“Players may suffer injuries or loss of form, some players will feel fatigued psychologically because it’s been a long season and playing for Maidstone isn’t easy. It’s not.

“Our fans are some of the best fans in the world, they’re passionate, and they want to ensure our players display that, and they see that week in, week out from us.

“It’s important we understand that as a management team but more importantly it’s about making sure we are prepared for all eventualities.

“If something goes wrong with one player, then we’re not lacking, we’re not looking around, scratching our heads.

“Hence, we look at all key positions across the defensive unit, the midfield unit and the forward unit to ensure we’ve got cover for all those positions. Our group of players know this.

“There’s healthy competition