George Elokobi will step down as Maidstone United manager at the end of the season.
Elokobi’s Departure
George Elokobi has decided 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.
It has been a memorable seven years for the Stones boss, from title‑winning captain to FA Cup history‑making manager.
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.
From Captain to Manager
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.
FA Cup Run
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.