Stones’ Astonishing Performance Leaves Maidstone Legend Surprised
Maidstone United’s incredible run in the FA Cup has left their director of football, Bill Williams, astonished. The 81-year-old, who holds the title of the oldest director of football in the country, has witnessed some remarkable moments in his long career, including Liverpool goalkeeper legend Bruce Grobbelaar’s acrobatic saves. However, Williams believes that George Elokobi’s achievement of taking the non-league minnows to the FA Cup last 16 is even more impressive.
Maidstone United’s journey to this stage of the FA Cup is historic, as they are only the second club from the sixth tier down to reach this far. Williams has played a significant role in the club’s re-emergence from non-league football, having managed them when they went bust in 1992. He has been instrumental in their rise through the ranks and is immensely proud of what Elokobi has achieved with the team in the National League South.
Elokobi, a former player for clubs like Portsmouth, QPR, West Brom, Mansfield, and Gillingham, has made a remarkable transition into management. In his first year as a manager, he has taken Maidstone United on an extraordinary FA Cup run. Williams admires Elokobi’s humility and willingness to learn, stating that it takes three to five years to truly understand management. Elokobi’s dedication to fitness and his ability to instill belief in his players have been vital to their success.
Williams’ own claim to fame was discovering a young Bruce Grobbelaar while managing Durban in the 1970s. Grobbelaar, who went on to become a Liverpool legend, impressed Williams with his acrobatic saves and unique style of play. Williams recalls how Grobbelaar decided to stick a goat in his backyard after receiving it as part of his signing-on deal with Highlanders, a club in South Africa.
Maidstone United’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable since their revival in 1992. The club, which folded while playing in the fourth tier, had to start from the bottom in the Kent County League Fourth Division. They have slowly climbed up the leagues and have been able to generate income through their 3G pitch, which they rent out to the local community. Their FA Cup run this season has earned them a significant amount of money, which will be reinvested into improving their facilities.
Williams acknowledges the need for refurbishment at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium and plans to use the funds from their FA Cup run to upgrade their pitch, toilet blocks, electrics, boilers, and stands. While it would be tempting to spend the money on new players, Williams believes that investing in the infrastructure is crucial for the club’s future success.
Maidstone United’s journey in the FA Cup has captured the attention of fans and football enthusiasts alike. With George Elokobi at the helm and Bill Williams providing guidance and support, the team has defied expectations and made history. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and dedication. As they prepare for their next match against Coventry, Maidstone United will continue to inspire both their supporters and aspiring football managers across the country.