Maidstone United manager George Elokobi on midfielder Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong’s return to the Gallagher Stadium

George Elokobi’s open-door policy at Maidstone has paid off again with the return of Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong.

The midfielder is back for a third spell at the Gallagher Stadium on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

He’d been training with the club for a few weeks before agreeing terms for the National League South run-in.

Another former player, Christie Pattisson, signed in similar circumstances a few weeks ago, and Berkeley-Agyepong, who’s been a free agent since leaving United last summer, has followed suit.

Stones boss Elokobi has never been one to burn bridges, enjoying close relationships with ex-players and team-mates. It’s led to Pattisson’s return and now Berkeley-Agyepong.

Maidstone, four points outside the play-offs in 10th place, visit Dover on Good Friday and host Hornchurch on Easter Monday (both 3pm).

“Jacob knows our structure here, he knows how we work,” said Elokobi.

“He wanted to help and he wants to enjoy himself a little bit.

“When you’ve got senior players like Jacob and Christie Pattisson, who have been in this league and operated at the levels above as well, then it gives the younger players a chance to learn from them.

“Jacob knows the football club and he knows the fans are good people and in his head he’s thinking it could be more games than it is at the moment, so I was delighted to get that over the line.

“Was it easy? No, it wasn’t, but I’ve got relationships with a lot of players who have represented us and I still keep in contact with them, just to encourage them to keep high standards and not to let themselves down.

“And if there’s a chance we can work together again, then why not?

“I’ve always told them the door is going to be open as long as I’m manager here.

“If they need to