Fans react to the announcement of George Elokobi stepping down as Maidstone United manager at the end of the 2025/26 season.
After playing for Maidstone since 2019, he was named in caretaker charge as replacement for Hakan Hayrettin in January 2023.
Two months later, he got the job permanently and notably guided them to the FA Cup fifth round for the first time after a shock 2–1 away win at Ipswich Town, becoming “the first club outside the top five tiers of English football to reach the FA Cup fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978”.
But now his time comes to an end after three years as their boss, with the club currently sitting 9th in the table, with 71 points from 44 games played, and are 2 points from the playoff places.
🟠 End of an era as Elokobi announces decision to leave Maidstone United Football Club.https://t.co/FBTbAPUMRK pic.twitter.com/fC08CIfGfV
— Maidstone United (@maidstoneunited) April 14, 2026
CLUB STATEMENT:
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.
Fans react to George Elokobi stepping down as Maidstone manager at the end of the season…
@KyleTFraser1998: Can’t blame him, been given pennies and expected to perform miracles. Ash & Casey out
@Raymondo_316: Unless this takeover happens that the owners keep mentioning our next manager is going to be someone proper cheap from the Isthmian Leagues. Anyone who wanted George gone is going to be in for a shock at how much worse things can be
@stevehemsley: A legend. Probably time is right. But what memories. Thank you George
@justafan1m: Saw that coming. But can’t blame him – nothing but respect for George and everything he’s done for the club 🖤💛
@MorecambeFCFeed: Fancy a trip up north?
@benstonesfc1: Words won’t do it justice. George has shown nothing but respect to me on a personal level since he walked through the door. He made the media team feel like you were part of the squad and always had time for anyone. I would run through brick walls for this man
@adamnation_: the fact that the sale of the club taking longer then expected being talked about in that is not a good sign for next season… can’t blame him for not wanting to stay on
@jane36london: Sad to read this, top man. If you could beat Worthing before you leave that would be great though 👍
@AshCaseyOut: @georgeelokobi thank you for all the effort you put in and the memories you gave us. Good luck for the future! Now who the fuck are we going to get
@TimGardnerNo1: Seems a proper good bloke. He’ll get something bigger and better I’m sure.
@paulh66runs: Didn’t see this coming, but George has led us through some difficult times and will never be forgotten for giving us the greatest day in the history of the club. Good luck to him and rest of the management team for the future.
@4doorsmorepaws: We’ll really miss him come next season.. his teams never really looked good but he could turn ithsmian players into national league and football league players like nothing else. i will never ever forget ipswich away as long as i live
@charltondoris: Not a surprise but a shame all the same. Thanks for the memories George, you brought us together in a way no one had since Jay Saunders. Best wishes to him in the next stage of his career.
@Harryenoble: Thank you George, onto bigger and better things.
@artjjc188: Oh wow! George has done wonders given the situation he’s been in for so long at the club. Not sure what’s next for Maidstone. Whatever it is, it’s going to take time. Lots of it. Nevertheless, this is a huge blow, and if he is continuing elsewhere whoever gets him are in luck!
@Jasmine49428854: Thank you George! What a fantastic ride it’s been with you at the helm 🧡🖤
@DWILLS_: @georgeelokobi all the best gaffer thanks for the memories. Sad day for the club.
@georgeelokobi
What this man has done for the club can’t be overstated. He’s given many fans the best memories of their lives following this club.
I wish he stayed. But I can understand the decision to leave and I hope he finds an opportunity further up the pyramid because he… https://t.co/WEautVx14x pic.twitter.com/SU3ceql0Cx
— MSton3 (@justafan1m) April 14, 2026
