Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin pays tribute to retiring club captain George Elokobi after his goal in champions' 2-1 win over Hampton

Emotional Hakan Hayrettin paid tribute to George Elokobi after Maidstone’s club captain bowed out in style.

Elokobi marked the final match of his 19-year career with a lovely goal as the champions beat Hampton & Richmond 2-1 in the final game of the National South season.

The former Wolves defender, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, left the field to a guard of honour before lifting the trophy with Gavin Hoyte as Maidstone ended the season with 87 points - six clear of runners-up Dorking.

It was the perfect way for the 36-year-old - making his first start in more than six months - to finish.

“I was a bit choked because I’ve known George for a long time,” said manager Hayrettin.

“When I first brought George to this club I said to him, ‘George, we’ve got to do this together,’ and we did it.

“I got a bit emotional in the changing room before the game saying I want this for George, as much as myself, and I’m so pleased for him that he scored on the last day of the season.

“He wanted to come off in the 73rd minute, because he wears the No.3, we did that for him and he got a bit upset, a bit tearful when he hugged me.

“I’m ever grateful to say he’s my friend and long may it continue.

“He scored a great goal, a hell of a goal. I’m overly proud of him.

“His career’s been amazing. Nineteen long years of good football, he’s played at the top level, and he’s here with us and the people of Maidstone should be humbled that he’s here with us.

“He’s added so much to what I’ve done. He’s been amazing.”

The pressure was off Maidstone after winning the title against Chelmsford a week ago.

But after losing at Welling on Bank Holiday Monday, Hayrettin was desperate to finish on a win for the record crowd of 4,175 at the Gallagher