Maidstone manager George Elokobi says it’s important to show patience with new signings.

Harry Lodovica is a case in point after the 6ft5in striker came off the bench to help 10-man United draw 1-1 at Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday night.

The big man has needed time to settle after returning south from Scottish Championship club Inverness Caledonian Thistle, joining the Stones in September.

But he did an important job for the team supporting goalscorer Aaron Blair up front following his half-time introduction.

He was substituted himself in the closing seconds but that was purely to disrupt the game.

“Harry’s come on and given us everything,” said Elokobi.

“I know I dragged him off at the end but that wasn’t because he couldn’t give any more, that was just a tactical switch to buy us some time to see the game out.

“I know he might be disappointed but I’ve spoken to him and I said it’s not because you didn’t do well.

“Harry had a slow start with us but it’s always going to be difficult.

“There’s only four outfield players we put on the bench and there’s Aaron Blair, who has been doing exceptionally well, so that position picks itself, but that doesn’t mean that other strikers won’t get games.

Lodovica’s time with Toffees legend

“We put another forward on to give us a foothold in the game and give us that threat up top.

“Our principles are we press, we’re a high-pressing team and players need to be conditioned to do that.

“Harry’s getting towards where he needs to be now.

“Sometimes it takes time for players to get accustomed to the principles, the structure, the culture of our football club, our philosophies.

“It’s important they understand what the management team stands for, what the DNA of the football club is all about.

“That’s why we’ve got to be patient with individuals.

“Our forwards, they’ve all got different skills that they bring to the table, depending on the opposition we’re coming up against.

“Harry is 6ft5in, we want him to do certain things.

“He was slow to start with but it’s important behind closed doors we keep working with him and all the other strikers and everyone’s going to have their moments.”

Maidstone host Hornchurch at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday (3pm) before making the long trip for a rearranged game at Torquay on Tuesday (7.45pm).

They showed tremendous togetherness to get something at Dorking after Reiss Greenidge’s first-half red card.

That’s half the battle in football.

“The camaraderie was excellent from our team,” said Elokobi.

“Other teams or other players might have sulked after the decision has gone the way it’s gone for the red card.

“In terms of team spirit, it’s there, it’s always been there.

“You need to see us train. The boys are having fun in training but they’re working exceptionally hard.

“That’s the pleasing side of it as a management team, when we put on sessions that are demanding but the players are having fun while working hard for one another.

“That’s what it’s all about - togetherness.

“We have to look at the second-half performance compared to the first-half performance and make a decision on what tactics we use against a good Hornchurch side on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Stones midfielder Arjanit Krasniqi has joined Billericay on a three-month loan deal.

Ricay are second in the Isthmian Premier, four points behind Krasniqi’s old club, Dover.