George Elokobi says less is more over Christmas as he looks to get the best out of Maidstone’s players.

The Stones will be working hard in preparation for three big National League South games.

But boss Elokobi also feels it’s also important his squad enjoy Christmas and spend time with their families.

Maidstone host Chippenham on Saturday (3pm), followed by part one of a derby double-header with Tonbridge at Longmead on Boxing Day (1pm).

The return takes place at the Gallagher Stadium on New Year’s Day (3pm).

“This time of year, it’s about making sure we look after our players as well,” said Elokobi.

“Let’s not forget, they are human beings.

“Yes, we want to make sure we work them hard but they need to spend time with their families as well.

“We’ll give them the time off as we see fit, as they deserve it, but we’ll be ready to play.

“I can only speak for myself and when I was playing, I dealt with it well, switching on and switching off, having the right balance.

“You have to in this life and we have to ensure our players have the right balance.

“Their social life, their time with their families, it’s important as much as training.

“Sometimes we say less is more and it’s important they spend time with their loved ones.

“I don’t think if you drag them in every single day of the week they’re going to get any fitter than they are at this moment in time.

“As a manager, you’ve got to be mindful and you’ve got to respect the festive time but also keep remind the players of the importance of being professional.

“I’m sure when you give them the transparency it’s important they adhere to it and they respect it.

“It’s all about trust and I trust the entire squad.

“I’m sure, wherever they are, they’ll have one eye on their main jobs as much as spending time with the families.”

Elokobi has taken the chance to pay tribute to Maidstone supporters before their final home game of the year.

They endured the misery of relegation in April but approach the end of 2023 with their side fourth in National South and through to the FA Cup third round for the first time since 1988.

“Our fans have been terrific,” said Elokobi. “We’ve been through so many journeys this season.

“It’s been amazing to see them come back in their numbers.

“We’re having a good season and our fans are some of the best fans in this country in terms of their passion and their drive to support the team, regardless of wins, draws or heavy defeats.

“We’ve seen it at Worthing (5-1 defeat last weekend), they stuck by the team, they kept encouraging them.

“Even at the end they stayed back and applauded our players and that tells you something about our football club.

“We are very united and our fans are at the forefront of it.

“They deserve all the admiration they are getting everywhere we’ve been this season.

“We are with them and hopefully we’ll give them something to cheer about in our next game.”