Maidstone are in contract talks with player-of-the-season George Fowler over a new deal at the Gallagher.

Fowler is one of those manager George Elokobi is keen to keep as he rebuilds for next season in National South.

The defender has impressed in a relegated team, with his commitment recognised by Stones who made him a clear winner in their player-of-the-season vote.

“It’s our job as a management team to identify the personnel we want to keep at this football club,” said Elokobi.

“There’s ongoing conversations all the time with our players, the ones we want to keep.

“George Fowler is one we’re talking to.

“Is he going to be short of interest? I don’t know but, yes, we’d love to have him at this football club.

“There’s no secret about it. He’s a fine player.

“Since I’ve come in, he’s been excellent for me.

“I know we all get caught up in results but he’s been an integral part of what we’re trying to do and behind the scenes he’s a good leader.

“He’s a wholehearted player and one I’d like to have at this football club.”

Elokobi believes Fowler, who’s captained the side in recent weeks, will take several factors into account when deciding where his future lies.

The fans have shown their appreciation and while that could be a factor, there’s more to it.

“Winning player-of-the-season can definitely influence a player’s decision to stay,” said Elokobi.

“But it’s also for the player to see how well they’ve done under the current management and see the positives in the training sessions and the information that’s passed down to them, and also look at the amount of coaching we’re doing and what’s in place going forward.

“Can the management team help you? Can they help you develop as a player?

“So all those things influence a player’s decision and, even more so, the environment.

“If it’s an honest environment, that’s what all players ask for.

“If it is, then the player will make the right decision.

“Is it a financial decision? Yes, we all want to get paid, but I don’t think it’s much of a financial decision to George Fowler because he’s been ever-present since I came in, apart from when he was ill en route to Southend.

“We’d have loved to have rested him in one or two games but he’s played ever so well.

“He’s performed week in, week out, and it’s not just the games, in training he’s one of the ones who always wants to be out here, working hard.

“At the start of the season I don’t think he was high in confidence but since we came here, being a defender myself, the information he’s been getting, the coaching he’s been getting, he’s one of the ones that’s benefiting.

“That can only enhance the chances of a player looking at things from a bigger perspective rather than just one angle.

“He’s looking at everything. I’m hoping we’ve done enough in terms of the environment we’ve created.”