Maidstone caretaker manager George Elokobi says it’s reassuring to get public backing from the board.

Co-owner Terry Casey revealed last week the Stones had held interviews for Hakan Hayrettin’s successor but nobody had matched up to their temporary boss.

Casey said Elokobi hadn’t put a foot wrong, adding the board had been impressed with everything he’s done.

It was nice to hear for Elokobi, who leads Maidstone into a bottom-of-the-table National League clash at home to Scunthorpe tonight.

Victory would move United level on points with the Iron and end a run of 13 league games without a win.

“I get on really well with the entire board but it’s reassuring to hear that from Terry,” said Elokobi, whose side drew 1-1 with Gateshead on Saturday.

“He’s run this football club for years.

“He’s a lifelong Maidstone United fan, as much as he is one of the co-owners, and I can only take a lot of gratitude from what he said.

“It’s good to see our work as a management team is appreciated, which it very much is from those words.

“I know Terry spoke for himself but that’s on behalf of the board and we’ll keep giving our best to make sure we try and bring the best to this football club.

“I’m sure if he’s delighted, I know a lot of the fans are delighted with what they’re seeing.

“They’re happy with the performances that we’ve been putting out here as a group, as a club, but to hear those words from the owner was quite pleasing.

“But I don’t get carried away. There’s a job to be done.”

Elokobi stepped up from the academy coaching staff to take charge of the first team after Hayrettin’s departure last month.

He’s a busy man as United battle relegation but continues to keep an eye on the academy.

“I make sure I try to look after the players and Maidstone United Football Club as a whole, every single day I’m here and when I’m home as well,” said Elokobi.

”It’s important because the phone doesn’t stop ringing but it’s my duty to make sure I’m engaged with everyone at this football club from top to bottom, from bottom to top.

“Not just the first team but also the academy players who I know are also missing me a lot because those are my players, but I’m always in close communication with them.

“I always pop my head in to make sure all of them are doing well."

Maidstone beat Scunthorpe 2-0 at Glanford Park in November, ending a winless run of 12 matches.

And how they’d love to end their latest winless spell in tonight’s return, with the club 10 points from safety.

“Every team we face is going to give us different problems and we need to come up with a solution to pass that on to our players,” said Elokobi.

“Every single game is huge for this football club and we can only prepare the squad right to be able to compete and compete well against a good Scunthorpe side.

“They aren’t going to come here and make it easy for us and we know that."