COLCHESTER United promotion winner George Elokobi has been named the permanent manager of National League side Maidstone United.

The 37-year-old, who was part of the U's 2005-06 League One promotion-winning squad under Phil Parkinson, has become the club’s permanent manager for the remainder of this campaign, as well as the 2023/24 season.

Elokobi had been in temporary charge at the Kent club after former Braintree Town boss Hakan Hayrettin left, in January.

Maidstone are currently bottom of the National League and 14 points from safety with seven games of the season left but the former U's favourite says he is looking to the future.

 

Elokobi told the club's website: "As we are all fully aware this season has not gone as we all hoped. We can't change the past, however we can learn from this and obviously look to the future.

"A huge thanks to the board for entrusting me with the role. I also want to thank all the backroom staff, who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes since my appointment as interim manager.

"To all the players, I want to thank you for continuing to give your all under the current circumstances.

 

"Under the new structure and with your continued hard work, I know we can only get better and get back to our winning ways.

"To the amazing Maidstone United supporters, I want to thank you for your patience this season. Your support has not gone unnoticed. Here's to bringing Maidstone United back to its winning ways."

Elokobi, who clocked up nearly 100 appearances for Colchester in his two spells for the club, announced his retirement as a player in May, 2022.

He helped Maidstone clinch promotion from National League South last season and had been combining his playing duties with coaching, before taking caretaker charge in January.