George Elokobi to step down at the end of the season

George Elokobi will step down as Maidstone United manager at the end of the season.

George has taken the decision to leave Maidstone United at the end of his contract. The club has huge respect for him and was keen to retain his services. Club finances are under pressure and negotiations over the sale, which could potentially improve the playing budget, are taking longer than expected. George and his management team have reiterated their commitment to finishing the season in the highest possible position.

From title‑winning captain to FA Cup history‑making manager, it has been a memorable seven years for the Stones boss. When George arrived at the Gallagher Stadium in the summer of 2019, it was expected to be only a one‑season stay. However, such was the instant connection between him and the club’s supporters that there was no hesitation in extending his time at the club.

As club captain, his leadership skills came to the fore, combining first‑team duties with a coaching and mentoring role at Maidstone United’s Football Academy. A prime example of that mentoring role came during the Covid lockdowns, when George hosted Zoom calls and led home workouts with students to help maintain their mental and physical wellbeing.

In the first full season after Covid restrictions were lifted, the Stones won the National League South championship, with George and vice‑captain Gavin Hoyte lifting the trophy in front of a sell‑out Gallagher Stadium. That final game of the season also marked George’s final playing appearance, capped off with a goal and a guard of honour from both Maidstone and Hampton & Richmond players.

Following his retirement from playing, George continued in his academy role, but a new challenge arrived in January 2023. Installed as caretaker manager, his first match came just days later in a penalty shoot‑out victory against Notts County in the FA Trophy.

The caretaker role soon became permanent and, following the club’s return to the National League South, George and assistant manager Craig Fagan set about rebuilding a squad from the ground up – a task they would repeat the following season and again this year. That work resulted in a play‑off semi‑final appearance in 2023/24 and progress one stage further last season.

If one event is to define George Elokobi’s time at Maidstone United, it has to be the incredible FA Cup run of two seasons ago. The Stones became the lowest‑ranked side since 1978 to reach the last 16 of the world‑famous competition.

What started on a sunny September afternoon at Steyning Town in the second qualifying round ended in the fifth round at the home of now Premier League‑bound Coventry City. Along the way were victories over League One and League Two opposition, before Maidstone pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history by defeating Ipswich Town away in the fourth round.

That astonishing run put the club firmly on the map, attracting attention from America to Australia and beyond. While there was national and international interest, George ensured the Maidstone community remained front and centre throughout this historic journey.

Speaking about his time at the club, George said: “Football is about making memories that will last forever. Together through passion, values and belief we created some magical moments that will connect us for life.

“My gratitude to our owners (Terry and Oliver), Director of Football (Bill Williams), the players and management team and all the staff at the football club and mostly to our wonderful supporters and wider community.”

Club co‑owner Oliver Ash said: “I know I speak for everyone connected with the club when I say we owe George an immense amount of gratitude and respect for the hard work he put in both as a player and as our manager.

“Entrusting George with the manager’s role three years ago is certainly one of the best decisions we have made and, while I have many fond memories from his time in charge, like many Stones supporters I will never forget the emotion of the FA Cup win at Portman Road.”

Co‑owner Terry Casey added: “George has made an immense contribution to Maidstone United. As a player, captain, mentor and manager, he brought experience, boundless energy and a unique ability to motivate those around him.

“His successes on the pitch, both as a player and manager, are unquestionable but, for me, equally important are his successes off it. He has touched the lives of countless people during his time here and will be greatly missed by us all.”

Player, captain, coach, mentor and manager – George Elokobi will leave an indelible impression on Maidstone United, along with memories that will last a lifetime.

Supporters will have the opportunity to show their appreciation for George at this weekend’s home match against Worthing. More details will be released during the week.