George Elokobi says new signing Matt Bentley adds value to Maidstone’s squad.

Striker Bentley has joined the Stones after returning to the UK from America.

The 25-year-old was playing for Richmond Kickers in USL League 1, having previously played college football.

He’d been training with the Stones for several weeks before his signing was announced on Tuesday night.

The forward made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 win over Chelmsford.

“We keep trying to add more value to the squad, especially in our forward line,” said boss Elokobi.

“It’s important going into the final stretch of the season and Matt certainly ticks the boxes.

“We have to try and bring a bit of quality to add to what the boys have been doing.

“He fits that bill and it was good to see him out there.

“We’ve seen glimpses of what he can bring in possession but also his cleverness as a player.

“He’s a good ball-carrier but he also brings others into the game.”

Maidstone invited Bentley into training after learning he was back in the country.

“It’s about flagging up these players,” added Elokobi.

“Our scouting network have been at work.

“Zach Foster-Crouch is out there making sure we’ve got eyes on the right talent and when we see these opportunities it’s about bringing the player in to ensure they have a feel for our environment.

“It’s important they have that connection with our squad so they’re not getting caught out.

“He’s been training with us so he already knows some of our principles in terms of how we play, in possession and out of possession, and what we’re after from our forward players.

“It’s not a one-way thing, it has to be the right fit for both parties.

“You want the player to have a feel of who you are as a manager, would they like to work with someone like yourself but also do they like how we play, how we train and how it’s run?

“If it fits, you can help the player and the player can help the football club, so he’s a good addition to us.”

Maidstone visit struggling Kent rivals Dartford on Saturday.

The Darts slipped into the bottom four after losing 2-0 at Braintree in midweek.

But Elokobi expects a difficult game with home players out to impress new boss Adrian Pennock.

“Our preparation is important because the Dartford players are obviously going to react,” said Elokobi.

“When a new gaffer comes in it uplifts the entire environment and we expect a tough game on Saturday.

“It’s my job as a manager to remind my players of what we’re going to be coming up against.

“It’s always a fierce rivalry between us two, it’s always a good game, a good atmosphere and hopefully we’ll go there and put in a fantastic performance.”