Maidstone’s retained players are fired up to prove a point in National League South.

Recruitment is key for manager George Elokobi as United look to bounce back from relegation.

But those who have stayed at the Gallagher Stadium have an equally important role to play next season.

Roarie Deacon’s exit last week took the tally of summer departures to 12 as Elokobi makes big changes.

But a number of players have signed new deals and the Stones boss is expecting big things of them.

“I’ve kept everyone I wanted to keep,” said Elokobi.

“But it’s not just me keeping them, they wanted to say.

“We weren’t successful last season but we all saw how much we tried for this football club.

“The likes of George Fowler, Sam Bone, Gavin Hoyte, Sam Corne, Raphe Brown, Bivesh Gurung, Perri Iandolo, as much as we are all disappointed by what happened, they are very much looking forward to the new season and the chance to put it right.

“Their pride is very much on the line and they want to restore that and bring that winning mentality back to Maidstone United Football Club.

“It’s good to be the manager that is going to work with these players going forward.

“They know what I think, they know what league we’re going into.

“It’s not going to be an easy league but this group of players, who I think are great individuals, are going to give us a chance.

“In my opinion they are National League players and if we get it right in the National League South, and gel with the new additions, then we’ll have a good season.”

Maidstone went more than half a season without winning a league game, going down with just 25 points.

But a pre-season gives Elokobi a chance to implement his ideas as they aim to hit the ground running.

“It’s a fresh start for myself, for everyone,” said Elokobi, who has so far signed Devonte Aransibia, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and Lamar Reynolds.

“Why is it a fresh start? We’re in a different league which we respect and we know it’s going to be competitive because of the teams that have come down with us and also the teams that are already in there.

“It feels completely new with the exciting additions that myself and the club are making, it is a completely new challenge for myself.

“We can’t hide from the fact we struggled massively in terms of having the results we craved for. It’s there for everyone to see. We finished bottom.

“That’s why we’re looking at the challenge – what’s in place in terms of a structure moving forward, what are we offering players in terms of the way we want to play, the way the club is being run by the board, which is very stable.

“Also it’s a chance to be part of a new era.

“For myself and the football club, it’s very much a new era.

“We need to learn from what happened in the National League to ensure we have a good season.

“It’s not going to be easy but we’ve been working ever so hard behind the scenes to make sure we attract the right players but also players can come and feel at home, knowing they’re going to flourish under the new structure we’re putting in place.”

Former Maidstone winger Joan Luque has joined National South rivals Worthing.

The Spaniard was released after missing the entire 2022/23 season following knee surgery.

“I’m delighted to sign for a club with ambitions that match my own,” he said.

“I’m very excited to get started and hopefully make people enjoy my football again.”