Shonibare departs after turning down contract offer
Winger Josh Shonibare has left Maidstone United after turning down a contract for next season.
Boss George Elokobi made what he described as a good offer to Shonibare, who scored four goals in 12 league games following his arrival in February.
But the 24-year-old, who revealed he had been playing for free this season, rejected the deal and has departed two games before the end of the National League season. “We’ve made offers to a couple of players we feel can add value to our squad,” said Elokobi.
“One of them not here with us today is Josh Shonibare, who we made a good offer to from the club’s perspective.
“He turned down the offer and it was right that as soon as that offer was turned down, we have to move on to our next targets because we haven’t got any time to wait for anyone to make a decision.
“Yes, we want players to commit but we want honesty from both parties.
“As of today, he’s not a Maidstone United player.
“That decision was made by myself and the board and we move on from that to our next target.
“But also I want to reiterate how thankful I am as the manager, on behalf of the club, for his contributions.
“He’s shown some good moments with us this season. “We’d have loved him to carry on developing with us and keep bringing those good moments when he played to his full potential but that hasn’t been the case in the last three, three-and-a-half weeks, hence why I’ve made a decision to move on.” Shonibare was released by Derby at the end of the 2021/22 season.
He had a spell at Cheshunt before joining the Stones on trial.
The wideman wanted to explore his options before committing for next season. “The trial went well and I was told there was no budget,” said Shonibare.
“However, it was a great opportunity to play at a level where I believe I could do well, so I agreed to play without salary.”
On turning down the contract offer, he added: “I would hope that given my age and point in life that most would understand why I would want to make a decision in the full knowledge of all the options open to me before committing to anyone.”