Maidstone United are being sensible with Sam Corne as they prepare for the new National League South season.

Midfielder Corne suffered a bad knee injury in the Stones’ FA Trophy victory at Eastleigh in February.

He’s recovered from a ruptured MCL, without the need for surgery, but has sat out the Stones’ first two friendlies, a 1-0 win over Sheppey on Saturday and a goalless draw against Chatham on Tuesday night.

There’s no need to worry, though, as it’s simply a case of Corne working his way towards full fitness in time for the August 5 opener against Slough.

The squad have been worked hard in pre-season but boss George Elokobi, who knows a thing or two about coming from injuries, is managing Corne’s workload.

“He’s pushing the boys hard but he’s been really patient with me because of the injury,” said Corne, who turned 27 on Tuesday.

“I did two days of training and my body was feeling it.

“My knee was fine but where I haven’t done anything that intense for five months, he took me out and I rested, and that’s why I’m not playing.

“The aim is to make sure I’m fit for when the season starts.

“It’s a good way of looking at things. You’ve got to give people time.

“Everyone gets fit at different times and at different stages and when people have had injuries and niggles, you’ve got to try and manage them to the best of your ability.”

Corne is going into his fifth season at the Gallagher Stadium, making him the joint longest-serving player alongside Gavin Hoyte.

It was an easy decision to stay with the Stones.

“Conversations were had prior to the end of last year,” said Corne.

“Where I’ve been here so long, the fans and the infrastructure were something I’ve always wanted to be part of.

“So when it came to signing a new deal, it made sense.

“We had a couple of Covid years but this is my fifth year here now.

“A lot changes in football but wherever I’ve been I’ve normally stayed three or four seasons. I like that sense of feeling at home.”

Elokobi is the third manager Corne has played for at Maidstone.

He was signed by John Still and went on to star under Hakan Hayrettin as United won National League South in 2022.

United find themselves back at Step 2 following last season’s relegation and there’s no limit to what Elokobi’s side can achieve.

“He’s always been an intense professional character - I don’t think that’s changed,” said Corne.

“But with it being his team now, in his own identity and his own philosophy, he wants to instil how we do things.

“Why wouldn’t you? As a gaffer, you want to put your stamp on it when you get the opportunity.

“A lot of people have asked me how I think this season is going to go.

“As long as we’re competitive, that’s the main thing.

“Two years ago, who was to say we were going to win the league? You just don’t know.

“As long as we get off to a good start and we play good, attractive football, that will hopefully set us apart from the rest.

“The league gets bigger and bigger each year.

“Torquay and Yeovil came down with us.

“They’re big clubs and you can see over the summer they’re looking to bounce straight back.

“It’s going to be tough but that’s the beauty of football and you want to enjoy those fixtures.”

Maidstone visit Leatherhead on Saturday (3pm), followed by Bromley away on Tuesday (7.45pm).