George taking on friendly foes

George Elokobi returns to one of his old clubs when Maidstone visit Oldham on Saturday.

Elokobi spent the 2014/15 season with the Latics after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While the Cameroonian ex-defender is synonymous with the old gold of Wolves, he also has fond memories of his time at Boundary Park.

The Stones caretaker boss can look forward to a good reception after hitting it off with the Oldham crowd.

“It’s a club I know well,” said Elokobi.

“Yes, I love those fans.

They gave me a good year at Oldham and I was wellsupported by the football club. “I helped a few youngsters shoot up into the pro scene. “My role there wasn’t just about playing on the football pitch. It was also about representing the community and I did that emphatically.

“It was good to have that relationship with the Oldham faithful.”

Oldham, a former Premier League club, were in League 1 during Elokobi’s time there but a rough few years saw them drop out of the EFL at the end of last season.

They’re in a National League relegation battle but recent form has been good, with David Unsworth’s side climbing out of the drop zone. “Football is all about performances and effectiveness,” said Elokobi. “I’m sure they are nullifying where a club like Oldham went wrong to drop out of the Football League.

“I’m sure there are structures in place behind the scenes and people working hard to make sure they get back to where Oldham belongs.”

Maidstone must check on the fitness of Sam Corne.

The midfielder went off with a knee injury during the second half of their 4-0 FA Trophy win at Eastleigh last weekend. Meanwhile, the Stones have signed ex-Cheshunt winger Josh Shonibare, 24, after a spell training with the club.