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It was just like old times for Maidstone captain George Elokobi when he returned to Wolves on Sunday.
The Stones skipper was invited back to Molineux as guest of honour for the Premier League game against Manchester United.
It was a fixture against United a decade ago that saw Elokobi cement his place in Wolves folklore when he scored in a 2-1 win that ended the Red Devils' 29-match unbeaten record.
He jumped at the chance to return to the club he served with such distinction for six years, helping them to the top flight.
“That fixture - Wolves v Man Utd - holds some serious memories for myself and the Wolves family,” said Elokobi, whose Stones side visit Oxford City in National South tomorrow.
“The club contacted me firstly by email to get me up there.
“It was nice of them to think of me for such a big game.
“Obviously scoring against United and ending their 29-game unbeaten run, I’m associated with that, but I also scored at Old Trafford as well.
“It was nice to go back because I had such a great time at Wolves and I’ve got lots of friends up there.
“I know everyone from the stewards all the way to the tea lady, it was so good seeing so many old faces.
“Everywhere I went, everyone was showing their appreciation for what I did for the football club, saying thank you and wanting autographs and photos.
“At the end of the day, it’s about being humble. It’s about recognising who everyone is at the football club because they make that football club, the stewards, the receptionists, the historian, Graham, who died this year, the security guys.
“It’s about making that time and when it comes to the fans it’s about being close to them and creating a relationship with them and they’ve never stopped supporting me throughout my career.
“Even now there’s a couple of Wolves fans who take the time to come down and watch me play for Maidstone.
“It’s just the relationship I’ve got with them.
"It was surreal being back at the stadium doing so many interviews before the game.
“I was there from 1.45pm and I didn’t stop doing PR work, meeting the fans from every angle around the pitch and into the corporate boxes, it was an amazing day.
“It was a shame about the result because I thought Wolves were the better side, and they played some fantastic football, but football can be harsh sometimes.”
Elokobi returned south after Wolves' 1-0 defeat, ready for a second match in three days for Maidstone.
United drew 1-1 at Hampton on Bank Holiday Monday, following Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Billericay.
The 35-year-old came through another 90 minutes, setting an example to young players everywhere.
He said: “As soon as the Wolves game finished I was switched on straight away to preparing for the game with Maidstone because it’s my call of duty to make sure I’m right.
“By 10pm I was home sleeping, ready for our game.
“It was good to be out there, two games in three days.
“If I hear anyone talk about age they’re going to be in trouble because they don’t know who George Elokobi is!
“I’m a professional athlete and I know how to look after myself.
“That’s why I’m passing on that experience and knowledge to the younger players.
"I don’t need a rest. It’s about making sure as soon as one game finishes you prepare for the next one straight away.
“If you’d asked me to play another 90 minutes on Sunday I would have done it, no problem.
“It’s a shame we dropped two points but the draw is a valuable point.
“Take nothing away from Hampton, they’re a good side and a lot of teams will come here and lose.
“Ten points out of 12, it’s a good start and when we look back we’re going to realise how important this point was.”
