OPPOSITION FOCUS | MATCH DAY 1 | Maidstone United (H)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

Founded: 1897

Nickname: The Stones

Manager: George Elokobi

Stadium: Gallagher Stadium

Capacity: 4200

The History

Founded in 1897, Maidstone United has a fantastic history attached to their name most notably in recent years. Following the demise of their Football League side, Maidstone were reformed in 1992 and joined the Kent County League Division Four at the beginning of the 1993/94 season. Following a restructuring of the division and two promotions in as many seasons, Maidstone reached the Kent County League Division One, before their promotion to the Premier Division was earned three seasons later.

A decade later, the Stones were experiencing relegation for the first time in their history, as the club was in financial trouble. However, it was the 2014/15 season which saw the Stones achieve promotion to the National League South, whilst they reached the Second Round of the FA Cup. The following season, promotion to the National League was achieved. After experiencing relegation and another promotion, the 2022/23 season saw the Stones relegated to the National League South, where they currently find themselves competing. Last season saw the Stones narrowly miss out with defeat in the Playoff Final against Boreham Wood, so they will be

hungry to improve on last season’s finish in this campaign.

The Manager: George Elokobi

In his 3rd season as permanent manager of the Stones following his spell playing at the club, George Elokobi has been quick to achieve some immense success in both league and cup competitions. Having played in the Football League for the majority of his career representing clubs including Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Wolves, he entered management at Maidstone following his retirement in 2022. He is known for being a motivational figure, helping the club to compete in both league and cup competitions, with notable achievements in the FA Cup and a National League South Playoff Final in recent years.

The Skipper: Sam Corne

Joining the Stones at the beginning of the 2019/20 season, Sam Corne has proved an outstanding servant to Maidstone United, increasing his experience at the club. His career started with a rise through the youth ranks at Welling United, before a move to Braintree Town shortly followed. However, Corne made the move to Greenwich Borough after a year at the Iron, where he made 26 appearances. At the beginning of the 2018/19 season, Corne eventually made a transfer to Ashford United, just a year before his move to Maidstone. Since joining the Stones, Corne has experience in the National League, as well as the FA Cup, where he scored the winner in a 1-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

Pre Season Form

Following an unfortunate defeat in the National League South Playoff Final to Boreham Wood, there has been a common theme of change amongst the squad at Maidstone United. Following the departures of last season's talented duo of Aaron Blair and Temi Eweka to Eastleigh as well as set-piece specialist Ben Brookes to York City, George Elokobi has had the monumental task of rebuilding a competitive side alongside gelling the squad together throughout preseason. The Stones’ preseason has featured a mixture of tests, with Under 21 teams as well as senior teams around Step 2 of the non league pyramid. With both wins and defeats experienced, the Stones would have learned lessons from each fixture and will be raring to go ahead of the opening game of the season at the Focus Community Arena.

LAST FIVE (PRE-SEASON)

LOST 2-0 vs Cray Wanderers

WON 4-0 vs Colchester United U21s

WON 4-0 vs Milwall Under 21st

WON 2-0 vs St Albans City

LOST 0-1 vs Chatham Town

Ones to Watch:

Name: David Agbontohoma

Joined: July 2025

Position: Centre Back

David Agbontohoma joined the Stones from Boreham Wood, with whom he achieved promotion with victory at Maidstone’s expense in the National League South playoff final. Having worked his way through the youth setups at Arsenal and Southampton, Agbontohoma earned his breakthrough as a senior player at Sheffield Wednesday, where he featured in the EFL Trophy against Harrogate Town. A one month loan which was made permanent by Boreham Wood followed, where the centre back went on to play 72 games before moving to Maidstone. His commanding presence and leadership are particular qualities that Agbontohoma possesses, which he will look to continue to work on at Maidstone United.

Name: Nathan Harness

Joined: July 2025

Position: Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Nathan Harness is another recent addition to the ranks at Maidstone United, joining the Stones on a permanent transfer from League Two side MK Dons. Having worked his way through the academies at Ipswich and Stevenage, Harness contains an impressive CV, with vast experience at National League level with Wealdstone, Gateshead and Southend alongside an appearance at League Two level with MK Dons. Having played in the National League South once before with Dulwich Hamlet, Harness will look to utilise his expertise as he looks to be the reliable body in between the sticks.

Name: David Sesay

Joined: June 2025

Position: Full Back

David Sesay was one of the first pieces of business that Maidstone United completed ahead of the 2025/26, joining from fellow playoff team Eastbourne Borough. Operating as a full back, Sesay proved to be a reliable body in the Sports’ backline, providing significant quality on the right hand side. Alongside his two seasons at Eastbourne, Sesay has showcased his ability within the Football League, representing Crawley Town in 56 League Two games, whilst also enjoying spells in the National League with both Barnet and Wealdstone. Ahead

of this season, Sesay will aim to continue his consistent performances as he looks to help the Stones finish as high up the table as possible.