George Elokobi’s coaching staff at Maidstone includes a former Premier League striker who holds a Uefa Pro Licence.

Ex-Watford man Gifton Noel-Williams is working with Stones caretaker boss George Elokobi and coach Ryan Gordon.

The 43-year-old was part of the Watford side who won back-to-back promotions to reach the Premier League under ex-England boss Graham Taylor in 1999.

Noel-Williams scored 33 goals in 169 appearances for the Hornets during a playing career that also included spells at Stoke and Burnley.

He took up coaching while living in America and last year completed his Pro Licence, receiving his certificate from England manager Gareth Southgate.

“I’ve known Gifton for a while,” said Elokobi, who takes Maidstone to fellow National League strugglers Torquay tomorrow.

“I’ve worked with him before and he’s a very knowledgeable coach.

“That’s why, when he told me he was free, I spoke to him and I told him the challenge we’ve got here.

“Straight away, he wanted to be part of it, to help myself and Maidstone United Football Club and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.

"It’s not just Gifton, I’ve got a great backroom staff, but it’s good to have him on board.

“How long for, I don’t know. He’s with me but who knows, because he’s a very good coach and you never know what can be around the corner.

"He’s here for now and while he’s here let’s enjoy his experience and his help in making us better and stronger as a management team.”

Maidstone have lost their past eight games and are bottom of the league after Scunthorpe beat FC Halifax on Wednesday.

They’ve been written off by many but Elokobi, who's been in caretaker charge for two weeks, will never give up.

He knows a thing or two about relegation battles, surviving on the final day of the 2011 Premier League season with Wolves.

They climbed out of the bottom three on the penultimate weekend, with Elokobi among the scorers in a 3-1 win at Sunderland.

And while they lost the final game 3-2 to Blackburn, results elsewhere went their way.

“Belief, more belief and togetherness,” said Elokobi, when asked how Wolves got out of trouble.

“Belief, more belief and resilience. Belief, more belief, togetherness and resilience.

“If we’ve got that, the quality will come through.”